critically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of analyzing or evaluating something in a detailed and thoughtful manner. Example: "To understand the implications of the study, we must critically assess the methodology used by the researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is important because the nearest record of a Dryas' monkey is 400km to the west, meaning, if confirmed, the discovery would significantly expand the range of a primate considered critically endangered.

The Guardian

"Critically, the stock of property on the market continues to hover close to historic lows with new instructions to agents falling in 10 of the last 12 months.

The Guardian - Money

The critically reviled The Mysteries of Laura is holding strong with about 8 million viewers, though its demographics skew old, which could prove troublesome if NBC has other shows it wants to prioritise.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"An acquisition of [a company like] All3Media would solve problems for ITV Studios giving them increased turnover, profits and it will diversify ITV's revenue base and critically could drive formats that will sell overseas," said another industry source.

The Guardian

One of the most competitive awards seasons in living memory saw the critically loved film pick up Oscar nods just for cinematography and sound mixing, hardly categories that could be exploited in marketing messaging.

The Guardian - Film

But here's the Bank's summary of her conclusion: "Understanding recent trends in the domestic component of inflation has been challenging" and it is "critically important to monitor measures of prospective inflation to determine the appropriate path of monetary policy".

The Guardian - Business

Aleksander Rajcevic and, more critically, Luka Zahovic should even have extended that lead but the teenage striker skied over the bar from inside the six-yard box and the visitors were spared their humiliation.

The Guardian - Sport

The Haldane Principle is critically important, but it is not the area over which science policy should be fought at the next general election.

The Guardian

And critically, Abbott's signature women's policy, the enhanced paid parental leave scheme has now been deferred with no clear signal of return.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or that you can support your country while thinking critically about its actions and its citizenry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dr Richard English, a St Andrews based historian, who wrote the critically acclaimed history of the modern IRA, Armed Struggle, said that at the very least ex-paramilitaries and others would be much more circumspect about what they did during the years between 1969-1994.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critically", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you mean 'in a critical manner' or 'at a crucial time'. Consider using alternatives like "importantly" or "analytically" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "critically" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler words like "importantly" or "really" would suffice. This can make your language sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "critically" primarily functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. This includes expressing a critical perspective or highlighting the importance or crucial nature of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critically" functions as an adverb that denotes either a critical evaluation or a state of crucial importance. It is grammatically correct and very common in writing, appearing most frequently in News & Media sources. When using "critically", Ludwig AI suggests considering the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear, and potentially opting for synonyms like "importantly" or "analytically" for increased precision. Ludwig’s analysis indicates the term is suitable for professional and academic contexts, but should be used sparingly in informal conversation to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

analytically

Highlights a methodic and systematic approach to understanding.

importantly

Focuses on significance rather than evaluative analysis.

with scrutiny

Highlights a rigorous and thorough examination.

fundamentally

Highlights the basic and essential nature of something.

essentially

Emphasizes the core or indispensable aspects.

decisively

Indicates a conclusive or impactful manner.

carefully

Stresses thoroughness and attention to detail.

thoroughly

Emphasizes the completeness and exhaustiveness of an action.

carefully

Suggests a cautious and meticulous approach.

in detail

Shifts focus to providing extensive specifics.

FAQs

How can I use "critically" in a sentence?

You can use "critically" to mean 'in a critical manner' (e.g., "think "critically" about the issue") or 'at a crucial time' (e.g., "the project is "critically" important").

What is a synonym for "critically" when referring to importance?

Alternatives for "critically" when emphasizing importance include "importantly", "essentially", or "fundamentally".

How does "critically" differ from "critically acclaimed"?

"Critically" generally refers to analytical thought or crucial importance. "Critically acclaimed" describes something (like a film or book) that has received high praise from critics.

Which is correct: "critically important" or "critical important"?

"Critically important" is the correct form. "Critically" is an adverb modifying the adjective "important". "Critical" is also correct but slightly changes the meaning from 'essential' to 'likely to criticize'.