crossroads

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crossroads" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a point of decision or a critical juncture in life or a situation. Example: "At this crossroads in her career, she had to decide whether to pursue her passion or stick with her stable job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The defence offered by one of the latest care employers to be named and shamed, East Midlands Crossroads – Caring for Carers, that the rules are "complex, in parts ambiguous and open to interpretation", does not sound good.

The Guardian

It feels as though we're at a crossroads.

The Guardian

Being near the crossroads of the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast trail, it's very popular with walkers, who refuel on a good selection of local ales, including their own Ewe Juice, and hearty tucker, such as the roasts which are served inside plate-size Yorkshire pudding.

The Guardian - Travel

For a moment, it's confusing – this is just a crossroads, a clearing in the woods, and yet it has the traffic infrastructure of a small town.

The Guardian

International NGOs are not the only organisations to have a dysfunctional relationship with the British media Richard Darlington, former special adviser at DfID, says: "International NGOs are not the only organisations to have a dysfunctional relationship with the British media, but they can find themselves at the crossroads of a toxic mix of cynicism about Westminster politics and overseas aid.

The Guardian

How about if we meet at the crossroads?

The Guardian - Music

Sullivan, who was backed by establishment groups such as Karl Rove's American Crossroads, will now take on Democratic incumbent Mark Begich in one of a handful of midterm races that could determine ultimate control of the US Senate in November.

The Guardian

A UN environmental team has arrived in Australia for a crunch 10-day assessment of the Great Barrier Reef, warning that the coral ecosystem is at a "crossroads" due to the soaring activity of the mining industry in the World Heritage Area.

The Guardian

The Suns, now out of the eight, are at a crossroads.

The Guardian - Sport

But if you live here you are always aware too of La Santé, lying just beyond the crossroads at Denfert-Rochereau, radiating its dangerous and ambiguous charisma.

The Guardian

We're not old enough yet to experience any ethical crossroads of what to do or not to do, but we want to work with companies who want to do good in the world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crossroads" metaphorically to emphasize the importance and potential impact of a decision. This adds weight and seriousness to the situation described.

Common error

While "crossroads" is a valid metaphor, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "turning point" or "critical juncture" to maintain freshness and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "crossroads" primarily functions as a noun, referring literally to an intersection of roads or, metaphorically, to a critical point of decision or transition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a widely accepted term in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "crossroads" is a versatile and widely used noun that effectively communicates the concept of a critical juncture or decision point. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for many contexts. While commonly found in news and media, it also appears in formal business and scientific writing. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "turning point" or "critical juncture" depending on the desired level of formality. While its usage is supported by numerous authoritative sources, varying your language will improve writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the decision point.

turning point

Highlights a significant change in direction or course.

decision point

Directly refers to the moment of making a choice.

fork in the road

Offers a more visual metaphor for diverging paths and choices.

critical moment

Focuses on the importance and potential impact of the present time.

pivotal time

Highlights the significance of the period and its influence on future events.

strategic intersection

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of different elements and the need for careful navigation.

moment of truth

Implies a decisive test or revelation that will determine the outcome.

place of convergence

Indicates a location where different elements or forces come together.

point of divergence

Focuses on the act of separating and moving in different directions.

FAQs

How can I use "crossroads" in a sentence?

You can use "crossroads" to describe a place where roads intersect or, more commonly, a point of decision in life or a situation. For example: "The company is at a crossroads, needing to decide its future strategy."

What does it mean to be at a "crossroads"?

Being at a "crossroads" signifies being at a critical juncture where a significant decision needs to be made, potentially altering the course of events. Alternatives include "turning point" or "decision point".

What can I say instead of "crossroads"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "critical juncture", "turning point", "fork in the road", or "decision point".

Is "crossroads" a formal or informal term?

"Crossroads" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using more precise terms like "critical juncture" or "strategic intersection".