in critical situations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in critical situations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe circumstances that are urgent, serious, or require immediate attention or action. Example: "In critical situations, quick decision-making can be the difference between success and failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he was also criticized for not producing in critical situations, and hit.243 with men in scoring position.

The New York Times - Sports

We don't catch the ball in critical situations.

The New York Times - Sports

The two have connected before in critical situations.

The New York Times - Sports

We just didn't work together in critical situations.

The New York Times - Sports

"You give them more responsibility and more freedom in critical situations.

The New York Times - Sports

"This week, we felt we wanted to bring more people in critical situations".

The New York Times - Sports

The Heat's record in critical situations in the regular season was, in fact, extraordinarily impressive.

The New York Times

"Probably the most disappointing thing was we didn't function smoothly in the fourth quarter, in critical situations," Dungy said.

The New York Times - Sports

In critical situations, when their bodies are heating to a dangerously high temperature, reindeer resort to a final defense mechanism.

The New York Times - Science

Most of what has gone badly is rooted in the team's inability to generate a yard or a few yards in critical situations.

The New York Times - Sports

"Both parties emphasized that despite differences in approaches and assessments, maintaining bilateral ties in critical situations like the present one are of special importance".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in critical situations" to emphasize the urgency or importance of a decision or action. Ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the situation critical.

Common error

Avoid using "in critical situations" too frequently. Vary your language by using synonyms like "in emergencies" or "during crises" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in critical situations" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify when an action or state is particularly relevant or necessary. Ludwig shows its use across various contexts, emphasizing the importance of actions taken during times of crisis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

51%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in critical situations" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that highlights the importance of specific actions or decisions during urgent or high-risk circumstances. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While synonyms like "in urgent circumstances" or "in crisis situations" can be used, it's important to consider the specific nuance each phrase conveys to ensure accurate communication. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure the context clearly defines the critical nature of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in crisis situations

Highlights the element of instability and danger.

in urgent circumstances

Focuses on the time-sensitive nature of the situation.

in emergency scenarios

Specifically refers to situations requiring immediate intervention.

in dire straits

Emphasizes the severity and distress of the situation.

in high-stakes scenarios

Highlights the potential consequences of the situation.

in pivotal moments

Emphasizes the significance and turning point aspect of the situation.

when the chips are down

An idiomatic expression indicating a moment of crisis or adversity.

at crunch time

Suggests a critical point where decisive action is needed.

in demanding circumstances

Highlights the challenging aspect of the situation.

in complex scenarios

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted aspect of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "in critical situations" in a sentence?

You can use "in critical situations" to describe when specific actions or decisions are most important. For example, "Quick thinking is essential in critical situations."

What are some alternatives to "in critical situations"?

You can use alternatives such as "in urgent circumstances", "in crisis situations", or "in emergency scenarios" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in critical situations" or "in important situations"?

"In critical situations" implies a higher degree of urgency and potential danger than "in important situations". The best choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "in critical situations"?

It's appropriate when describing scenarios where immediate action is needed to prevent serious negative outcomes. Consider if alternatives like "in difficult times" or "in challenging situations" might be more fitting if the situation doesn't involve immediate threats.