a critical thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance of a specific item, concept, or issue in a discussion or argument. Example: "In this project, communication is a critical thing that we must prioritize to ensure success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Domain shuffling seems to be a critical thing," Dr. Degnan said.

The New York Times - Science

"And this is a moment where, because of the budget crisis, the accuracy of the mayor's data becomes a critical thing".

The New York Times

Now what we also need to remember, and this is a critical thing, is that our party, the Liberal party, has the right values.

The Guardian

The more important thing of why smart watch is important is retention is always a critical thing.

TechCrunch

"Being able to survive falls is a critical thing for animals that live in trees, and cats are one of them," says Dr Socha.

BBC

That's a critical thing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But, what organizations as human institutions do not want to see, may be a quite critical thing.

City, Territory and Architecture

Land is a very, very critical thing".

The New York Times

Although the original meaning of paed or paid, "child," covers both, notes a Princeton professor, Joshua Katz, "in English there's been an extension: the critical thing is the youth, not the sex of the youth.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'll freely admit I had no idea about this one until now, and as soon as I read about it, it struck me as an obvious and critical thing to offer.

TechCrunch

"We lack a few critical things, and have for a number of years," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "a critical thing" with more descriptive alternatives like "essential component" or "key factor" to provide greater clarity and nuance.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "a critical thing" in close proximity. Repeating the phrase can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical thing" functions as a noun phrase, where 'critical' is an adjective modifying 'thing'. It denotes something of utmost importance or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It emphasizes that the 'thing' being discussed is essential for a particular outcome or situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic Sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a critical thing" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the importance or necessity of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is most frequently found in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it can be replaced with more precise or formal terms depending on the context. When using the phrase, be sure to clarify why the thing is critical to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential element

Replaces 'critical thing' with a more formal and direct emphasis on necessity.

a vital component

Emphasizes the role of being indispensable, focusing on function rather than general importance.

a key factor

Highlights the role in influencing an outcome, shifting the focus from general importance to specific impact.

a crucial aspect

Focuses on a specific element and underscores the severity of impact.

an important consideration

Emphasizes the need for careful thought and attention, rather than inherent criticality.

a significant point

Highlights the noteworthiness and impact of the issue.

a major priority

Shifts the focus to the level of importance relative to other tasks or goals.

a fundamental requirement

Stresses the basic and underlying need for something.

a necessity

Uses a more direct term for something indispensable, simplifying the phrase.

something indispensable

Replaces the abstract 'thing' with a more concrete description of its quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "a critical thing" to emphasize the importance of something. For example, "In any project, communication is "a critical thing" to consider".

What can I say instead of "a critical thing"?

You can use alternatives like "an essential element", "a vital component", or "a crucial aspect" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a critical thing" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a critical thing" when you want to highlight the significance or necessity of something. Ensure the context makes it clear why it is critical.

Is "a critical thing" formal or informal language?

"A critical thing" is generally considered neutral. While acceptable in most contexts, consider more precise or formal language like "an essential element" or "a fundamental requirement" for professional or academic writing.