a critical time

USAGE SUMMARY

"a critical time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a moment when a crucial decision or choice must be made in order to determine the outcome of a situation. For example: "We are at a critical time in the project and must make our decision soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The conference comes at a critical time.

The New York Times

This is a critical time for Facebook.

The New York Times

This is a critical time for us".

The New York Times

"It's a critical time in America".

The New York Times

"It is a critical time right now.

The New York Times - Sports

It comes at a critical time.

The Guardian

"It's a critical time for us.

The New York Times

It was a critical time for Felton.

The New York Times - Magazine

He takes over at a critical time.

The Guardian

The speech comes at a critical time.

The Guardian

Transitions are a critical time for leaders.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics or events with global impact, this phrase can appropriately convey the gravity of the situation and the potential for significant outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "a critical time" when describing situations that are merely challenging or inconvenient. Reserve it for scenarios where the stakes are genuinely high and the outcome is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical time" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to describe when something important or decisive is happening. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a critical time" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to emphasize the importance and potential consequences of a specific period. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples from reputable sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its versatility. While appropriate for formal and professional contexts, it's crucial to reserve its use for situations where the stakes are genuinely high. Consider alternatives like ""a crucial time"" or ""a pivotal moment"" to fine-tune the specific meaning. When used correctly, this phrase effectively conveys urgency and significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial time

Substitutes "critical" with "crucial", emphasizing the decisive nature of the period.

a pivotal moment

Replaces "time" with "moment", highlighting a specific point of significant change or decision.

a decisive period

Uses "decisive" and "period" to underscore the importance of choices made during the timeframe.

a turning point

Indicates a moment where a significant shift or change in direction occurs.

a key juncture

Emphasizes the importance of the moment as a point where different elements come together.

a sensitive period

Highlights the vulnerability or need for careful handling during this time.

a precarious moment

Suggests a degree of risk or instability associated with the time.

a make-or-break situation

Highlights the potential for significant success or failure depending on the actions taken.

a moment of truth

Emphasizes the unveiling of an outcome or reality that tests one's character or resolve.

a defining moment

Highlights the significance of the moment in shaping future events or outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "a critical time" to emphasize the importance or urgency of a situation. For example, "This is "a critical time" for the company, and we need to make the right decisions."

What phrases are similar to "a critical time"?

Alternatives include "a crucial time", "a pivotal moment", or "a decisive period". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a critical time" is suitable for formal writing. Ludwig AI indicates it's used in various professional and news contexts, making it a versatile choice.

What makes "a critical time" different from "a challenging time"?

"A critical time" suggests a period where decisions have significant consequences, whereas "a challenging time" simply implies difficulty. The former carries a greater sense of urgency and importance.