critical stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'critical stage' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to an important moment or event in any given situation. For example, "The negotiations have reached a critical stage and we must find a resolution soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Now we are in a critical stage.

The New York Times

"This is a very critical stage".

The New York Times

The N.F.L. is at a critical stage.

The New York Times - Sports

Hamed is at a critical stage in his career.

The New York Times - Sports

"The energy business is in a critical stage," says Nadeau.

The Guardian

The phone threats indicated he had reached a critical stage.

The New York Times

Things have now reached a critical stage for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're still at a very critical stage," he said.

The New York Times

The tournament reached a critical stage on the 16th hole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he denies the war is in a critical stage.

The Economist

"Right now we're kind of looking at a critical stage in this population," Ms. Steklis said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical stage", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is at stake and why the stage is considered critical. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "critical stage" as a generic intensifier. Ensure the situation genuinely warrants the description, or consider using less dramatic alternatives like "important phase" or "key moment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical stage" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "critical" modifies the noun "stage". It serves to highlight the significance or importance of a particular point in time or a specific phase in a process. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to denote an important moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "critical stage" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, predominantly used to denote a crucial juncture requiring focused attention. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. With a neutral to professional register, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While versatile, mindful use is key to avoid overstatement, ensuring the term accurately reflects the situation's significance. Alternatives like "pivotal moment" or "crucial juncture" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings depending on the specific context. Its prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal moment

Emphasizes the turning point aspect, where the outcome can significantly change.

crucial juncture

Highlights the importance of the timing and the potential impact of decisions made.

key phase

Focuses on a specific part of a process that is essential for overall success.

decisive period

Stresses the importance of the timeframe and the need for effective action.

turning point

Highlights a moment where a significant change in direction occurs.

sensitive period

Emphasizes vulnerability and the need for careful handling.

vital phase

Underscores the essential nature of the phase for achieving the desired outcome.

important juncture

A slightly less intense way of saying "crucial juncture", still highlighting significance.

essential moment

Highlights the absolute necessity of the moment for success.

make-or-break point

Implies that the outcome will be determined by what happens at this point.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical stage" to describe a crucial point in a process, such as "The project is now at a "critical stage" and requires immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to "critical stage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pivotal moment", "crucial juncture", or "key phase".

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

Yes, "critical stage" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts where precision and emphasis are required. However, ensure it accurately reflects the situation to avoid exaggeration.

What makes a stage "critical"?

A stage is considered "critical" when its outcome significantly impacts the overall success or failure of a process, and requires careful management and attention.