at every crossroad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at every crossroad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a point of decision or a critical moment in a situation where choices must be made. Example: "At every crossroad in her career, she chose the path that aligned with her values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Horns blared and black smoke rose from the bonfires burning for good luck at every crossroad.

The New York Times - Travel

This happens at every crossroad - and there are lots of crossroads - hence the fantastic 2mph experience.

BBC

It's addressed to a lost lover, much missed: "I see you in every cab that goes by/ in the strangers at every crossroad, in every bar".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

More cars carrying lunar girls gathered at every crossroads and junction, converging from all quarters of the city to the place above which the moon seemed to have stopped.

The New Yorker

It suffers perennially from water and electricity cuts; limbless ex-soldiers beg at every crossroads; tribes of street children have established small roadside industries selling matches, cigarettes, soap and a strange variety of cheap household goods from China.

The Guardian - Travel

There at every crossroads, at midnight and at one and at two in the morning, they were waiting with torchlights and red flares to cheer and yell 'We love you, Jack.' " Bob Dorr would grow up to become a state senator and he is now executive director of Credo, an organization that builds houses for the poor, similar to Habitat for Humanity.

The New York Times

As an aside, the late Judge Learned Hand, who sat on America's court of appeals, always said he would liked to have seen some particular words written by Cromwell placed over the portals of every church and courthouse and at every crossroads across the nation.

The Economist

At every crossroads the glare of innumerable torches illuminated the whole population, kneeling on the ground".

Wikipedia

Afghan troops were also out in large numbers, halting vehicles at nearly every crossroad to search for weapons or explosives.

The New York Times

At nearly every crossroad, signs point to yet more pottery studios, where you can find everything from a $3.50 coffee mug to a $4,800 38-inch-high 38-inch-high 38-inch-highelicate it can't hold water.

The New York Times - Travel

Teva's argument that the patents were just an obvious variation of earlier inventions "fails at every major crossroad".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at every crossroad" to emphasize a recurring decision point or a place frequently encountered. For metaphorical use, it underscores a point of critical choice or transition.

Common error

Avoid using "at every crossroad" when a literal location is clearly intended, if there's no sense of choice or transition involved. Overusing it in simple descriptive contexts weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at every crossroad" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It often acts as an adverbial modifier, indicating the frequency or point at which something occurs, particularly in situations involving choices or decisions. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at every crossroad" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase, according to Ludwig AI, often employed to emphasize recurring situations, decisions, or encounters, especially in points where choices must be made. While most examples are from News & Media, its register remains neutral. Alternative expressions, like "at each intersection" or "at every turning point", may be more fitting depending on the context. Remember to use it when highlighting a recurring decision point. Despite its grammatical correctness, it's essential to avoid overusing it in non-metaphorical or descriptive situations to maintain its impactful significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at each intersection

Replaces "crossroad" with a more literal synonym, implying a physical location where roads meet.

at every single intersection

Adds emphasis to each and every intersection. It reinforces the idea of something happening at all points where roads meet.

at every turning point

Emphasizes the decisional aspect of a crossroad, referring to moments of significant change.

at each juncture

A more formal synonym for "crossroad", implying a point of connection or decision.

at all crossroads

Uses a plural form to express a similar sentiment to "at every crossroad".

at each fork in the road

More metaphorical and emphasizes the choice between different paths.

in every instance

Shifts the focus from a physical location to any situation or case where something occurs.

at every opportunity

Highlights frequent occurrences or chances available.

on every occasion

Similar to "at every opportunity", but may suggest a more formal or scheduled event.

at all times

Generalizes to all moments, not just specific locations or decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "at every crossroad" in a sentence?

Use "at every crossroad" to describe situations presenting frequent choices or critical decision points. For instance, "At every crossroad in his career, he evaluated the risks and rewards".

What phrases are similar to "at every crossroad"?

Alternatives include "at each intersection", "at every turning point", and "at each juncture", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "at every crossroad" or "at every intersection"?

The choice depends on context. "At every crossroad" often carries a metaphorical weight, suggesting significant decisions. "At every intersection" is more literal, referring to physical locations where roads meet.

When should I avoid using "at every crossroad"?

Avoid using "at every crossroad" in purely literal contexts where there is no sense of decision or transition. In such cases, "at every intersection" would be more appropriate.