a time of reckoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time of reckoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a moment when important decisions or judgments are made, often after a period of difficulty or challenge. Example: "After years of mismanagement, the company is finally facing a time of reckoning regarding its financial practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Christmas is a time of reckoning for plenty of adults, too.

The New York Times

An Embrace That Won't Let Go For China, too, this crisis has been a time of reckoning.

The New York Times

As the trial of Madsen continues in the weeks to come, Denmark will face a time of reckoning.

The New Yorker

This will be a time of reckoning on climate change.

Huffington Post

It is a time of reckoning — and of reconciliation, too.

The New Yorker

Journalism on China is facing a time of reckoning as well.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Now, it seems, is the time of reckoning.

Huffington Post

Her school is at the heart of an identity crisis that has sent fissures through the state's second-largest district, pitting parents of magnet school students against an administration they view as unfriendly — and sparking emotional debates about how scarce dollars should be spent during a time of financial reckoning throughout the state.

The New York Times

25 April (Columbia) Books by Boyd Tonkin We Had It So Good by Linda Grant If the coming year proves to be a time of sober reckoning and hard scrutiny of the recent past, then Linda Grant's new novel will help us keep the score.

Independent

When I heard that the explosion of Flight 800, from New York to Paris, might have been caused by a buildup of static electricity on one of the plane's fuel tanks, I said to myself, "I knew it!" Probably I'm not the only one who has feared and hated static electricity since youth, not the only one for whom a trip from sofa to light switch is a time of dead reckoning.

The New Yorker

It is a time of great reckoning.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context. The phrase can carry a sense of gravity and seriousness, so ensure it aligns with the overall message you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "a time of reckoning" in trivial contexts. Its strong connotations of judgment and consequences are not suitable for everyday situations or minor issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time of reckoning" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific period characterized by evaluation and judgment, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time of reckoning" is a noun phrase commonly used to denote a critical period of evaluation and judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal and professional contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternative phrases like ""a moment of truth"" or "a critical juncture" exist, the original phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the weight of past actions and their consequences. It's important to avoid using this phrase in trivial contexts due to its serious connotations. The phrase appears most often in "News & Media", "Formal & Business" and "Science" sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moment of reckoning

Changes the duration and emphasizes the specific instant.

a moment of truth

Focuses on the revealing nature of the moment, highlighting the unveiling of reality or consequences.

a day of judgment

Emphasizes a final assessment or evaluation, often with serious implications.

a critical juncture

Highlights the importance of the moment as a turning point with significant future consequences.

a pivotal moment

Stresses the significance of the moment as a key event that shapes future outcomes.

a watershed moment

Implies a significant turning point that alters the course of events.

a crucial period

Highlights the importance and urgency of the time frame.

a decisive phase

Focuses on the role of the period in making critical decisions.

a period of reflection

Shifts the emphasis to introspection and evaluation rather than judgment.

an accountability checkpoint

Highlights responsibility and consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "a time of reckoning" in a sentence?

You can use "a time of reckoning" to describe a period when someone or something is being judged or evaluated based on their past actions. For example: "The company's financial performance is facing "a time of reckoning" after years of mismanagement".

What's the difference between "a time of reckoning" and "a moment of truth"?

"A time of reckoning" implies a period of evaluation and judgment based on past actions, whereas ""a moment of truth"" refers to a specific instance where reality is revealed or a crucial decision must be made.

Is "a time of reckoning" formal or informal?

"A time of reckoning" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for news articles, academic writing, and professional communication. It's less common in casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "a time of reckoning"?

Some alternatives to "a time of reckoning" include "a critical juncture", "a pivotal moment", or "a day of judgment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.