at this crossroads

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at this crossroads" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a point in time or a situation where a decision must be made or a direction must be chosen. Example: "At this crossroads, we must decide whether to pursue further research or to move forward with the current findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Where will Vladimir Putin stand at this crossroads?

The New York Times

The profession is at this crossroads in which the traditional practice has to be questioned.

The New York Times

"At this crossroads, in these fields, and also over there, in that house".

The New Yorker

"High Maintenance" meets people at this crossroads and peers at them with a tender gaze.

The New Yorker

"At this crossroads in the City Opera's history we've seen an enormous outpouring of support," Ms. Baker said.

The New York Times

We dodge the traffic as best we can at this crossroads of science, medicine and law, accepting compromises that seldom please anyone completely.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Now is the time to meet the challenge at this crossroad of history by choosing a future that is safer for our country, prosperous for our planet, and sustainable.

The Washington Post

At this crossroad, Smith, the N.F.L.'s leading career rusher, and the struggling Cardinals found common ground today, agreeing to a two-year contract that is expected to make Smith Arizona's opening day starting running back after 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a growing number of people who have arrived at this crossroad in life.

Huffington Post

How convenient that these factors merge at this crossroad in such a poignant campaign collision.

Huffington Post

While we're at this crossroad, working to define new models for working, it's important to remember that it's not just about the work.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at this crossroads", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific decision or direction being considered. Provide enough information for the reader to understand the significance of the moment.

Common error

Avoid using "at this crossroads" for trivial situations. This phrase implies a significant decision with potentially far-reaching consequences. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at this crossroads" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to indicate the time or circumstances surrounding a particular decision or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at this crossroads" is a prepositional phrase commonly used to signify a crucial point in time or a critical juncture where a significant decision must be made. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its presence across diverse sources, including news media, academia, and science, underscores its versatility. While alternatives like "at this juncture" or "at this turning point" exist, "at this crossroads" effectively conveys the gravity and importance of the moment, making it a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this juncture

Replaces "crossroads" with "juncture", emphasizing a specific point in time, especially a critical one.

at this turning point

Substitutes "crossroads" with "turning point", highlighting the shift or change in direction.

at this critical juncture

Adds "critical" to emphasize the importance of the moment.

at this decisive moment

Replaces "crossroads" with "decisive moment", focusing on the need for a firm decision.

at this pivotal time

Uses "pivotal time" to indicate a crucial period influencing future events.

at this fork in the road

Employs the metaphor of a "fork in the road" to signify diverging paths and choices.

at this critical stage

Replaces "crossroads" with "critical stage", emphasizing progression and development.

at this crucial point

Uses "crucial point" to denote a moment of high importance and potential consequence.

at this important juncture

Highlights the significance of the moment with the adjective "important".

at this strategic moment

Emphasizes the strategic implications of the current situation.

FAQs

How can I use "at this crossroads" in a sentence?

Use "at this crossroads" to indicate a critical juncture where a significant decision needs to be made. For instance, "At this crossroads, we must decide whether to invest in new technology or continue with our current systems."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "at this crossroads"?

Similar phrases include "at this juncture", "at this turning point", and "at this decisive moment".

Is it appropriate to use "at this crossroads" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "at this crossroads" carries a slightly formal tone. It's more suitable for formal writing, reports, or speeches than casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "now" or "at this point" in informal contexts.

Can "at this crossroads" be used to describe a physical location?

While less common, "at this crossroads" can metaphorically describe a physical location where different paths or influences converge. However, it's primarily used to describe decision-making moments or critical junctures in time or situations.