critical phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

"critical phrase" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a phrase or statement that is of particular importance, often because it conveys important information or an opinion. For example, "The CEO's critical phrase, 'Our company is the leader of the industry', set the tone for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The third argument addresses the critical phrase deleted in the Senate.

The New York Times

"The plain meaning of the critical phrase and the context," Justice Scalia wrote for himself and Justice Clarence Thomas, "make clear that the retaliation provision contemplates an official grievance filed with a court or an agency, not oral complaints — or even formal, written complaints — from an employee to an employer".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And it is critical phrasing of the subtitle of Hannah Arendt's book, Eichmann in Jerusalem, about the man who coordinated the deportations of the Jews from throughout Europe to the killing centers we call concentration camps.

Huffington Post

Criticism was coded from statements that criticized or found fault with the child based on the tone of voice and critical phrases (Sonuga-Barke et al. 2008).

Human Genetics

For his third New York show, Mr. Ocampo has resorted to splashing impenetrably pretentious art-critical phrases (some borrowed, some invented) across generically Neo-Expressionist images.

The New York Times - Arts

The latter parameter was defined as the number of occurrences, on http://www.google.co.uk, of the critical verb phrase of the sentences (e.g., "grasped the idea"; 53 917 ± 12 571 for idioms vs. 37 892 ± 13 856 for literal sentences, P > 0.05).

Cerebral Cortex

(Would anybody be able to identify Henry VIII today if it hadn't been for the wives?) Poor Bill Clinton is running around doing last-minute mythmaking, searching for a critical catch-phrase that will distract history from you-know-what.

The New York Times

The predecessor phrase, critical mass, though dated, is still usable.

The New York Times - Magazine

It wouldn't matter if they weren't all perfect; that phrase "critical mass" applies here too.

Huffington Post

As worthy as these aspirational goals might be, they do raise a number of important questions, such as what we mean when we use the phrase "critical thinking"?

Huffington Post

Although Ben-Ami doesn't explicitly make a direct connection between Israeli actions and American casualties, his use of the phrase "critical to...American strategic interests," is a well-known code, especially these days, for the argument that there is a connection between Israeli actions and American casualties.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "critical phrase", ensure the context clearly establishes why the phrase is critical. Provide necessary background information to highlight its significance for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "critical phrase" simply as a filler. Always ensure the phrase you're labeling as 'critical' truly holds substantial importance and impact within the given context; otherwise, consider using milder alternatives like "important phrase" or "relevant statement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical phrase" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify and emphasize the importance of a specific set of words within a larger context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples, denoting significance or necessity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical phrase" serves as a marker of importance, directing focus to specific words crucial for comprehension. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's grammatically correct and, while not ubiquitous, finds use across news, science, and general writing. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context justifies the 'critical' label. For alternatives, consider "essential phrase" or "key phrase" to maintain precision. By using "critical phrase" judiciously, you can effectively emphasize the most important elements of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential phrase

This alternative emphasizes the necessity of the phrase.

key phrase

This alternative highlights the phrase's importance in unlocking understanding.

vital phrase

This alternative stresses the phrase's importance for success or survival.

important phrase

This is a general alternative that indicates the phrase is of significance.

crucial wording

This option focuses on the specific words used and their significance.

pivotal expression

Highlights that the phrase serves as a point upon which something depends.

significant term

Focuses on the meaning and relevance of the phrase as a defined term.

notable phrase

Suggests that the phrase is worthy of attention or recognition.

central concept

This alternative emphasizes the role of the phrase in representing a core idea.

relevant statement

Indicates that the phrase is directly connected and important to the topic at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical phrase" to refer to a specific set of words that are particularly important in understanding a concept or argument. For example: "The "critical phrase" in the contract determines liability."

What's a good alternative to using "critical phrase"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "essential phrase", "key phrase", or "vital phrase".

Is there a difference between "critical phrase" and "important phrase"?

"Critical phrase" suggests the phrase is absolutely necessary or crucial, while "important phrase" simply indicates that the phrase holds significance but may not be absolutely essential.

What makes a phrase "critical"?

A phrase becomes "critical" when it is indispensable for understanding a concept, making a decision, or achieving a specific outcome. It often carries significant weight or implications within a particular context.