critical juncture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical juncture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a moment, phase, or decision point that is important or decisive in terms of the outcome. For example: "We are now at a critical juncture in the negotiations; it's important that we make the right decision here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A critical juncture".

The New Yorker

"This is a critical juncture".

The New York Times

leader at this critical juncture.

The New York Times

Explained: Lilly at critical juncture.

The New Yorker

China stands at a critical juncture.

The New York Times

And he arrives at a critical juncture.

The New York Times - Sports

The letter comes at a critical juncture.

The Guardian

"Europe is at a very critical juncture.

The Guardian

The war is at a critical juncture.

The New York Times

"We are at a very critical juncture," he said.

The New York Times

The top adviser's remarks came at a critical juncture.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "critical juncture" to signal the high stakes or potential for significant change at a particular time. For example, when discussing negotiations or strategic planning.

Common error

Avoid using "critical juncture" for minor events or situations that lack significant consequences. Reserve it for truly decisive moments to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical juncture" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier to emphasize the importance of a particular moment in time. Ludwig's examples show it often highlights pivotal points in political, economic, or personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical juncture" is a frequently used phrase that indicates a decisive or crucial moment with potentially significant consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While similar to other phrases like "pivotal moment" or "turning point", "critical juncture" emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the situation. To use it effectively, reserve it for situations of genuine significance, avoiding overuse in routine contexts. With its clear communicative purpose and strong presence in authoritative sources, "critical juncture" remains a valuable tool for conveying the gravity of important moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal moment

Emphasizes the turning point aspect, suggesting a significant change in direction or outcome.

crucial point

Highlights the importance of the moment, suggesting that it is decisive for what follows.

turning point

Focuses on the idea that the situation is about to change significantly.

decisive moment

Stresses the conclusiveness of the moment, implying a firm resolution or determination.

important stage

Indicates a significant phase in a process or development.

key moment

Highlights the significance of the moment, suggesting it is essential or vital.

vital stage

Emphasizes the necessity of the stage for the success or continuation of something.

strategic moment

Highlights the importance of a situation for planning and future actions.

inflection point

Indicates a change in the curvature of a graph or a change in the trend of a phenomenon.

watershed moment

Implies a historic turning point, often with long-lasting consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical juncture" to describe a turning point or a decisive moment. For example: "The company's decision to invest in new technology came at a "critical juncture" for its future growth."

What phrases are similar to "critical juncture"?

Alternatives include "pivotal moment", "crucial point", or "turning point", each emphasizing different aspects of a decisive time.

Is "critical juncture" formal or informal?

"Critical juncture" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. While understandable in informal settings, alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "critical juncture" and "important moment"?

"Critical juncture" implies a higher degree of consequence and potential change than "important moment". A "critical juncture" suggests that the outcome is heavily dependent on the actions taken at that specific time.