a critical stage

USAGE SUMMARY

"a critical stage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation or period of time that is very important or potentially decisive in terms of the outcome. For example, "We have reached a critical stage in the negotiations and must make a decision soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Now we are in a critical stage.

The New York Times

The N.F.L. is at a critical stage.

The New York Times - Sports

Hamed is at a critical stage in his career.

The New York Times - Sports

"The energy business is in a critical stage," says Nadeau.

The Guardian

The phone threats indicated he had reached a critical stage.

The New York Times

Things have now reached a critical stage for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

The tournament reached a critical stage on the 16th hole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he denies the war is in a critical stage.

The Economist

"Right now we're kind of looking at a critical stage in this population," Ms. Steklis said.

The New York Times - Science

Then, commentators wrote about how it was at a "critical stage".

The New York Times

The GOP race has reached a critical stage in which every delegate counts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a critical stage" to emphasize the high stakes or potential for significant change in a situation. This phrase is effective in conveying the importance of careful decision-making and strategic action.

Common error

Avoid using "a critical stage" when describing a situation that is merely important but lacks imminent risk or potential for drastic change. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical stage" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes a specific point in time or a phase of a process characterized by high importance and potential for significant consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a critical stage" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance and urgency of a particular moment or phase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, use this phrase to highlight the high stakes and potential for significant change, while being mindful not to overuse it in situations that lack true urgency. Alternatives like "a crucial juncture" or "a pivotal moment" can provide nuance and variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial juncture

Emphasizes a turning point or a significant moment where a decision is made.

a pivotal moment

Highlights the importance of a particular point in time that can significantly alter the course of events.

a key phase

Focuses on a specific period that is essential to the overall process or project.

a decisive period

Suggests a time frame where decisions made will have a significant impact on the future.

a turning point

Indicates a moment where a significant change occurs, altering the direction or outcome.

an important phase

Focuses on a period of significance within a broader context.

a vital period

Underlines the necessity and importance of a specific timeframe.

a sensitive phase

Emphasizes the need for careful handling and attention during a particular time.

a precarious juncture

Highlights the uncertainty and potential risk associated with a particular moment.

a delicate moment

Focuses on the fragility and need for careful navigation during a particular time.

FAQs

How can I use "a critical stage" in a sentence?

You can use "a critical stage" to describe a point in time when decisive actions are necessary. For example, "The project is at "a critical stage", and the next few weeks will determine its success."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a critical stage"?

Similar phrases include "a crucial juncture", "a pivotal moment", or "a key phase". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a critical stage" in formal writing?

Yes, "a critical stage" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys importance and urgency in a professional and clear manner.

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

"A critical stage" implies that the outcome is highly dependent on what happens during that period, whereas "an important stage" simply means the stage is significant but not necessarily decisive.