critical figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to important or significant numerical data or statistics that are essential for understanding a situation or making decisions. Example: "The report highlighted the critical figures that indicated a significant increase in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 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

The two most critical figures of the shareholder movement were perhaps Roberto Goizueta, the CEO of Coca-Cola from 1981 until his death in 1997, and Jack Welch, the CEO of General Electric from 1981 to 2001.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian - Books

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In reports or articles, clearly define what makes these "critical figures" important to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid labeling figures as "critical" simply because they are available. Ensure they genuinely represent the most significant aspects of the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical figures" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies entities (people or numbers) that are of utmost importance in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "critical figures" is a noun phrase used to emphasize people or numbers with utmost importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears in diverse contexts, spanning from news and media to scientific research and formal business communication. While "critical figures" is adaptable, it is crucial to ensure that the identified figures are genuinely significant and drive understanding or decision-making. When writing, consider alternatives like "key individuals" or "important statistics" to fine-tune the message. By recognizing the function, purpose, and potential misinterpretations of "critical figures", writers can effectively use the phrase to highlight essential information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Key individuals

Focuses specifically on people who are important, omitting the numerical aspect.

Important statistics

Emphasizes the significance of the numbers themselves.

Key metrics

Focuses on quantifiable measurements used to assess performance or progress.

Vital statistics

Highlights essential numerical data, often related to health or demographics.

Significant numbers

Draws attention to the noteworthiness of particular figures.

Essential personnel

Refers to indispensable staff or employees.

Pivotal roles

Stresses the importance of specific positions or functions.

Principal agents

Emphasizes the active role of key individuals in achieving a specific outcome.

Crucial elements

Broadens the scope to include any essential components, not just people or numbers.

Cornerstone members

Highlights individuals who are fundamental to a group or project.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical figures" to refer to important numerical data or significant individuals, as in "The report highlighted the "critical figures" that indicated a significant increase in sales." or "These are "critical figures" in the development of the project."

What are some alternatives to "critical figures"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "key individuals", "important statistics", or "essential personnel".

Is it better to say "critical figures" or "key figures"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""critical figures"" often implies a sense of urgency or necessity, while "key figures" simply denotes importance.

When should I use "critical figures" instead of "important numbers"?

"Critical figures" is appropriate when the numbers are not only important but also fundamental to understanding or making decisions about a particular situation. "Important numbers" is a more general term.