critical hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a crucial or decisive moment in a situation, often when immediate action is required. Example: "During the critical hour following the accident, emergency responders worked tirelessly to save lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The critical hour has arrived".

The New Yorker

"It is the duty of every Muslim to support their brothers in this critical hour.

The Guardian

She is the BBC's supreme drama leader, the creative champion at its most critical hour.

The Guardian

"Each episode deals with a critical hour in the life of one patient," said Murphy.

The Guardian

The Chinese people have reached the critical hour, compelled to give their final call!

The New York Times

"We want to appeal to you in this critical hour to not grow weary of well doing," Jackson said.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Egg attachment would primarily prevent this from happening, especially in the first critical hours post-laying.

Nature

That review would also look at the decision-making during the critical hours while that work was being carried out.

The Guardian - Business

"These are critical hours on the question of which way the international community will take the policy," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the early, critical hours of D-Day, no command is sent to the 21st Panzer Division waiting around Caen with engines running.

The Guardian

Previous research most often has focused on sociodemographic or clinical factors influential in treatment timing, while the activities that individuals undertake during the critical hours prior to presentation for formal medical treatment remain insufficiently examined.

Social Science & Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "critical hour" to emphasize the urgency and importance of immediate action during a specific timeframe, particularly in situations involving emergencies, decision-making, or significant turning points.

Common error

Avoid using "critical hour" when referring to general periods of difficulty without a clear sense of urgency or immediate action required. A more general phrase like "challenging time" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical hour" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is used to identify a specific, crucial period in time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "critical hour" is a noun phrase denoting a crucial or decisive moment. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. It conveys urgency and importance, prompting action. While "critical hour" is suitable for formal and neutral registers, alternative phrases like "crucial moment" or "pivotal time" can be used depending on context. Use "critical hour" to emphasize time-sensitive scenarios where decisions and actions are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial moment

Focuses on a specific point in time that is decisive.

decisive moment

Emphasizes the importance of the moment in determining an outcome.

pivotal time

Highlights a period when significant changes are likely to occur.

defining moment

Suggests a moment that shapes future events or defines a situation.

critical juncture

Indicates a turning point where a significant decision is required.

key juncture

Implies a point of intersection where critical decisions must be made.

urgent period

Stresses the need for immediate action during a specific timeframe.

moment of truth

Refers to a moment when something will be tested or revealed.

eleventh hour

Suggests something happening at the last possible moment.

zero hour

Denotes the time when an operation or event is scheduled to begin.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical hour" to describe a time of great importance or urgency. For example, "The first few hours after a stroke are the "critical hour" for treatment".

What are some alternatives to "critical hour"?

Some alternatives to "critical hour" include "crucial moment", "decisive moment", or "pivotal time", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "critical hour" in formal writing?

Yes, "critical hour" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing urgent or decisive situations. Its usage is observed in news, academic papers, and formal reports.

What distinguishes "critical hour" from "eleventh hour"?

"Critical hour" signifies a period when immediate action is vital, whereas "eleventh hour" refers to the very last moment to take action, often implying a narrow escape or last-minute intervention.