a critical resource

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical resource" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is essential or of great importance for a particular purpose or situation. Example: "Water is a critical resource for sustaining life on Earth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The colonial government kept control of a critical resource: land.

The Economist

That's what makes it such a critical resource".

The New York Times

Within one week we were able to present a viable alternative to the original factory, securing a critical resource to manufacture our product.

The Guardian

These waters are a critical resource to the more than 1.3 billion people in the world's 10 most densely populated nations surrounding the plateau.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this introduces a critical resource concern: more than half of the proposed plants will depend on water resources that are under high or extremely high stress.

The Guardian

Most were founded during Reconstruction, and since then they have become a critical resource, particularly for poor students from low-performing public-school systems.

The New Yorker

Blue-chip international firms give Chinese companies like Fosun access to a deep well of financial knowledge, a critical resource for those with global ambitions.

The New York Times

The relatively great intellectual freedom possible at Rudolf's court was now augmented by Kepler's unexpected inheritance of a critical resource: Tycho's observations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Virginia has been strip mining horseshoe crabs," declared Daniel P. Beard, vice president of the National Audubon Society, in praising the federal action to protect a critical resource that scientists say has been decimated in the last decade.

The New York Times

Police officials say that the decisions have been made grudgingly and that helicopters, which typically contain a pilot and an observer, have long been a critical resource, alerting officers on the ground of a suspect's whereabouts and hidden danger.

The New York Times

If the workplace is big enough or considered a critical resource like a major news supplier, a generator that can provide power when the main source fails may be a wise investment.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a critical resource", ensure the context clearly establishes why the resource is crucial and what depends on it. Provide specific examples to illustrate its significance.

Common error

Avoid labeling every resource as "a critical resource". Overuse dilutes the phrase's impact. Reserve it for situations where the resource's absence would have significant negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical resource" functions as a noun phrase, where 'critical' modifies 'resource', indicating a high level of importance or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show it being used across various domains to highlight essential elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a critical resource" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something of utmost importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various fields, including science, news, and business. The phrase emphasizes that the resource is essential and indispensable and often advocates for its protection or proper management. When using this phrase, provide specific examples to illustrate the resource's significance and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "an essential asset" or "a vital component" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential asset

Focuses on the indispensable nature of the resource, highlighting its value.

a vital component

Emphasizes that the resource is necessary for the functioning of a larger system or process.

a key element

Highlights the importance of the resource as one of several essential parts.

a crucial factor

Stresses the resource's impact on determining an outcome or result.

a necessary ingredient

Indicates that the resource is required to achieve a particular result.

a prime necessity

Highlights the resource being an indispensable basic requirement.

a fundamental requirement

Stresses that the resource forms the base upon which something else depends.

an indispensable tool

Emphasizes the utility and essential nature of the resource for a particular task.

a cornerstone

Implies that the resource is a foundational element that supports a larger structure or system.

a backbone

Suggests that the resource provides essential support and strength.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a critical resource" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a critical resource", clearly define the resource and explain why it is essential to the subject you're discussing. For instance, "Clean water is "a critical resource" for sustaining life" provides context to its importance.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a critical resource"?

You can use alternatives like "an essential asset", "a vital component", or "a key element" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a critical and essential resource"?

Yes, using both "critical" and "essential" is somewhat redundant. Both words convey a similar meaning of importance. It's better to choose one or the other to avoid wordiness. Try just "an essential asset".

What's the difference between "a critical resource" and "an important resource"?

"A critical resource" implies that the resource is absolutely necessary and indispensable, whereas "an important resource" suggests that the resource is valuable and significant, but not necessarily essential. "A critical resource" suggests that failure to secure it will cause a detrimental effect.