critical figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or significant person, number, or element in a particular context, such as in statistics, finance, or decision-making. Example: "The critical figure in our analysis was the projected revenue growth, which influenced our investment strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Koupal called Wilder "a critical figure in American literature".

The Guardian - Books

"With Stevens gone, Breyer is now the critical figure.

The New Yorker

Camille Pissarro was the next critical figure in Cézanne's life.

The New Yorker

Jaffe was the critical figure in this all-senior foursome, in more ways than one.

The New York Times

Osborne has also been confirmed at the critical figure in hiring Coulson as director of communications for the Tories.

The Guardian

This was the second time in a month that the total had stood one below the critical figure.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The problem with this is that the critical figures in Congress already knew about the scale of mass surveillance but did not do anything about it.

The Guardian

Clinton offered to use her contacts on Capitol Hill to help broker a deal with critical figures in the Senate and the House.

The New Yorker

The event has played out in front of a delighted, often outraged audience, among them many of New York's most prominent literary and critical figures of the era.

The New Yorker

For another, the curators drew on 131 oral interviews they did with critical figures in the Nixon presidency and the scandal, in which they reflect on what happened.

The New York Times

"The Death of Cancer" is an angry book, in which one of the critical figures in twentieth-century oncology unloads a lifetime of frustration with the obduracy and closed-mindedness of his profession.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical figure", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature and scope of the figure's importance or criticality.

Common error

Avoid using "critical figure" for individuals or elements whose importance is marginal or unsubstantiated; this can dilute the term's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical figure" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'critical' modifies the noun 'figure', designating someone or something of utmost importance. Ludwig demonstrates its versatile use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical figure" is a frequently used phrase to denote a person, thing, or concept of utmost importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatile application across news, academic, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "key person" or "pivotal figure" exist, "critical figure" maintains a strong presence in formal and neutral communication. When employing the term, ensure its significance is well-justified and relevant to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key person

Focuses specifically on individuals and their role.

pivotal figure

Emphasizes a turning point or moment of great consequence.

important player

Highlights someone's active participation and influence.

essential element

Shifts the focus to necessary components rather than individuals.

significant individual

Broadly denotes importance without specifying the type of influence.

leading light

Suggests a prominent and guiding role.

influential person

Highlights the power to affect others or outcomes.

central character

Often used in narratives to denote a key person.

principal actor

Formal and emphasizes the individual's role in events.

cornerstone

Implies foundational importance and reliability.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical figure" to describe someone or something of great importance in a particular situation. For example, "The CEO was a critical figure in the company's turnaround."

What are some alternatives to using "critical figure"?

Alternatives include "key person", "pivotal figure", or "essential element" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "critical figure"?

Use "critical figure" when you want to emphasize the indispensable role or influence of someone or something in achieving a specific outcome or maintaining a certain status.

Is "critical figure" more formal or informal?

"Critical figure" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, as it is commonly used in news, academic writing, and professional communications. It is not particularly informal.