critical times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to periods of significant importance or urgency, often in contexts such as decision-making, crises, or pivotal moments. Example: "During critical times, effective leadership is essential to navigate challenges and make informed decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

THESE are critical times for trees.

The Economist

They have come at critical times, too.

Independent

"It was terrible play at critical times.

The New York Times - Sports

These are critical times for the fledgling PJCHR.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both of Malkin's goals came at critical times.

The New York Times - Sports

Leadoff walks and errors at critical times were the reasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Compounding matters, the giveaways have come at critical times.

The New York Times - Sports

But critical times call for emergency measures, so Gradi is back.

The Guardian - Sport

These are critical times for establishing the scope of our freedoms on the Internet.

The New York Times

"These are critical times for Greece," said Kostas Panagopoulos, a political analyst.

The Guardian

The other days I volunteer at hospitals, particularly during critical times like now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical times", ensure the context clearly indicates what is at stake and why the period is significant. Be specific about the factors that make the times critical.

Common error

Avoid using "critical times" as a generic intensifier. Always provide concrete reasons why the times are critical, rather than simply stating it without evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical times" functions as an adjective modifying a noun, indicating a period of significant importance or urgency. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. The examples show it used to describe moments requiring decisive action or facing serious challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "critical times" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote periods of significant importance, urgency, or crisis. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communications. Its purpose is to emphasize the high stakes and potential consequences of events occurring during the specified period. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to substantiate the use of "critical times" with specific reasons explaining why the times are considered critical. Alternatives such as "crucial period" or "pivotal moments" may be used depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial period

Emphasizes a stage where decisions or actions have a significant impact.

pivotal moments

Highlights moments that can significantly alter the course of events.

decisive juncture

Indicates a point of critical decision-making.

urgent circumstances

Focuses on the pressing nature of the situation.

sensitive phase

Suggests a period requiring careful handling.

testing times

Emphasizes the challenges and difficulties faced during the period.

moment of truth

Highlights a moment where a decision or outcome will reveal the true situation.

precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and risk associated with the period.

time of crisis

Refers to a period of instability and danger.

important stage

Underlines the significance and potential impact of the phase.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "critical times" in a sentence?

To use "critical times" effectively, ensure you provide context that explains why the period is significant. For example, "These are "critical times" for the environment due to climate change." Providing specific reasons enhances clarity and impact.

What are some alternatives to using "critical times"?

Alternatives to "critical times" include phrases like "crucial period", "pivotal moments", or "decisive juncture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "critical time" or "critical times"?

The choice between "critical time" and "critical times" depends on whether you are referring to a specific moment or a broader period. "Critical time" refers to a single, crucial moment, while ""critical times"" refers to an extended phase of significance.

What makes "critical times" different from "important times"?

"Critical times" implies a sense of urgency and potential danger or significant consequence, whereas "important times" simply denotes a period of high value or relevance. "Critical times" suggests that decisions or actions during this period are crucial for future outcomes.