in crisis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in crisis" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation or state in which a person, organization, or system is facing serious difficulties or challenges. Example: The economy is in crisis due to the ongoing pandemic, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everybody's in crisis now".

The New York Times

Egypt in crisis.

The New York Times

It's still in crisis.

The New Yorker

Opera is in crisis.

Independent

POLITICS is in crisis.

The Economist

And it's in crisis.

The New Yorker

Cricket in crisis?

The Economist

Capitalism is in crisis.

The Economist

We're in crisis mode".

The New York Times

Elliott, too, was in crisis.

The New Yorker

The economy remained in crisis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in crisis" to describe situations that demand immediate attention and decisive action. Be specific about the nature of the crisis to provide clarity and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "in crisis" to describe minor setbacks or temporary inconveniences. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility when addressing genuinely critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in crisis" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing its current state. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used to indicate a situation of instability, danger, or urgency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in crisis" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe situations facing significant difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources to convey urgency and severity. When writing, remember to use this phrase judiciously to maintain its impact, and consider related alternatives like "in dire straits" or "in a critical state" to add nuance. The phrase is appropriate for formal writing, but overuse can diminish its effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in dire straits

Replaces "crisis" with "dire straits", emphasizing a severe and urgent situation.

in a critical state

Focuses on the severity of the condition, using "critical state" instead of "crisis".

facing a catastrophe

Replaces "in crisis" with a phrase that suggests an impending disaster.

in a state of emergency

Emphasizes the urgent and immediate need for action.

undergoing a difficult period

Softens the severity of the situation by using "difficult period" instead of "crisis".

experiencing turmoil

Highlights the instability and disturbance of the situation.

in a precarious situation

Indicates that the situation is unstable and could easily become worse.

at a breaking point

Suggests that the situation is about to collapse or fail.

gravely endangered

Focuses on the high risk of negative outcomes.

on the verge of collapse

Implies that the situation is near failure.

FAQs

How can I use "in crisis" in a sentence?

You can use "in crisis" to describe various situations. For example, "The healthcare system is "in crisis" due to staff shortages", or "The company is "in crisis" following the scandal".

What are some alternatives to saying "in crisis"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in dire straits", "in a critical state", or "facing a catastrophe".

Is it appropriate to use "in crisis" in formal writing?

Yes, "in crisis" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious or critical situations. Ensure the context warrants the use of such a strong term.

How does "in crisis" differ from "in trouble"?

"In trouble" implies a problematic situation, while ""in crisis"" suggests a much more severe and urgent situation requiring immediate action. "In crisis" often involves a turning point or potential collapse if not addressed.