difficult juncture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult juncture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging or critical point in a situation or process. Example: "The company found itself at a difficult juncture, needing to make tough decisions about its future direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The housing market is at a difficult juncture.

The New York Times

There is also the fact that prevention efforts in Tamil Nadu are at a difficult juncture.

The New York Times

Assigning blame and dealing with the consequences will test Mrs. Merkel's ability to maintain party discipline at this difficult juncture.

The New York Times

It's at a difficult juncture right now, that's true, and we have serious concerns about the political environment".

The Guardian

The news from JPMorgan comes at a difficult juncture for the stock market as investors wrestle with heightened concerns about Europe's debt crisis and signs are emerging that the economic recovery in the United States may be starting to slow.

The New York Times

Three moments were decisive in this long debate, and each of them hinged on a different juror, each of whom spoke clearly at a difficult juncture and shifted the course of our deliberations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Even at difficult junctures in the management of Carnegie Hall, the board relied on Mr. Stern's guidance and advice.

The New York Times - Arts

One of Clegg's closest confidants and someone who is thought of as on the left of the party told the Guardian that the party was "very grown up" and would heed warnings that the UK is at a difficult economic juncture and would require stable government that lasted for some time.

The Guardian

Some negotiators say Mr. Moore seems less able than earlier trade chiefs -- both Mr. Ruggiero, his only predecessor at the W.T.O., and leaders of the group's forerunner, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade -- to jump over hurdles at difficult negotiating junctures.

The New York Times

Doing so would be difficult at this juncture but a great thing for Twitter users, especially given how Twitter has opened up Direct Messages and what plans it might have for the future.

TechCrunch

In terms of uh, size, it's very difficult at this juncture to accurately determine what we've got going on.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult juncture" when you want to emphasize that a situation is at a critical point and requires careful navigation. It's suitable for describing complex or high-stakes scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult juncture" in everyday conversations or simple situations. It's best reserved for more formal or serious contexts where the weight of the situation merits such a description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult juncture" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "juncture". It is typically used to describe a critical or challenging point in time or a situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult juncture" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a challenging or critical point in time. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that its use is most prevalent in news, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's advisable to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant its formal and somewhat serious tone. Alternatives such as "challenging moment" or "tough situation" may be more suitable for less formal contexts. This phrase is generally used to emphasize the complexity and the need for careful consideration or action in a particular situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging moment

Replaces "juncture" with "moment", emphasizing a specific point in time.

critical turning point

Highlights the importance of the moment and the potential for change.

tough situation

Focuses on the problematic nature of the circumstances.

delicate phase

Emphasizes the need for careful handling.

precarious stage

Highlights the instability and risk involved.

crisis point

Indicates a moment of high risk and potential danger.

problematic period

Focuses on the extended duration of the difficulty.

sensitive time

Highlights the need for careful consideration and discretion.

challenging period

Similar to problematic period, but emphasizing the difficulty rather than the problem.

awkward situation

Implies a lack of ease or grace in the current circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult juncture" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult juncture" to describe a critical point in a process or situation. For example, "The company is at a "difficult juncture", requiring strategic decisions to ensure its future."

What's a good alternative to "difficult juncture"?

Alternatives include "challenging moment", "critical turning point", or "tough situation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "difficult juncture" formal or informal?

"Difficult juncture" is generally considered a more formal expression. It is best suited for professional, academic, or news-related contexts rather than casual conversation.

How does "difficult juncture" differ from "critical juncture"?

While both phrases denote a significant point in time, "difficult juncture" emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation, whereas "critical juncture" highlights the potential for significant change or impact. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the challenge or the importance of the moment.