juncture

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'juncture' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular point in time or a critical juncture in a situation. For example: We have reached a critical juncture in this project, and now need to make an important decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This story is not just being played out north of the border: UK-wide polling shows the Tories and Labour scoring some of their lowest-ever combined shares of the vote, the inconclusive result of the last general election suggested a very significant juncture had been reached – and the fact that next year's result is anyone's guess only underlines the point.

The Guardian

Hey ho! (Would it be a little smug of us, at this juncture, to bring up the fact that Badwan was educated at the prestigious boarding school Rugby, alma mater of Neville Chamberlain and the Plebgate star, Tory MP Andrew Mitchell, where the biggest insult you can apparently give someone is to call them a Tanner, meaning a day boy? It would? Oh).

The Guardian - Music

Weale and McCafferty remained concerned about the longer-term inflationary outlook, but, "noted the risk that low inflation might persist for longer than the temporary factors implied and concluded that this risk would be increased by an increase in Bank Rate at the current juncture".

The Guardian - Business

Gilroy's bluntly satirical view of journalists compromising not just professional integrity but the law itself, in the name of finishing first, marks a juncture where things could either get more honourable or far, far worse.

The Guardian - Film

The decision by Bernanke's successor, Janet Yellen, to call time on QE is an appropriate juncture to ask some fundamental questions.

The Guardian - Business

The confrontation comes at a critical juncture for the GOP.

The Guardian

It was widely seen as an indication that he was throwing his support behind the administration of the president, Hassan Rouhani, at this important juncture.

The Guardian

We seem to be at a curious juncture: in many ways the Reagan/Thatcher "settlement" of the 1980s is unravelling; yet in the Conservative party of David Cameron, George Osborne and Lord Freud we witness policies at which even Margaret Thatcher might have baulked.

The Guardian

While there are myriad reasons we've arrived at this juncture, much of the blame rests with the principles and practices of business as usual".

The Guardian

The talks between Alexis Tsipras's government and its creditors have dragged on for so long that it has become hard to believe there will ever be a decisive make-or-break juncture.

The Guardian - Business

Any information you proffer at this juncture will just be seen as a clumsy attempt to divert attention and spread the responsibility.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "juncture" when referring to routine or insignificant moments; reserve it for scenarios where the outcome is substantially affected by the present circumstances.

Common error

Don't use "juncture" in place of simpler words like "time" or "point" when the situation isn't particularly critical or decisive. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

Juncture functions primarily as a noun, denoting a specific point in time, often one that is critical or decisive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it commonly used to highlight significant moments in political, economic, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "juncture" is a noun used to describe a critical or decisive point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in formal contexts such as news and business. It's essential to reserve "juncture" for situations of significant importance and avoid overuse in casual conversation. Alternative phrases include "critical moment" and "turning point". Using "juncture" correctly adds emphasis to the importance of a particular moment, enhancing the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical moment

Focuses specifically on the importance and decisiveness of the time.

turning point

Highlights a significant change in direction or course of events.

key moment

Emphasizes the importance of a particular instant.

critical stage

Focuses on the phase of development or progress where decisive action is needed.

decisive point

Highlights the crucial nature of the moment in determining future outcomes.

crossroads

Implies a situation where significant decisions must be made that will lead to different paths.

intersection

Describes a point where different paths, ideas, or influences converge.

point of convergence

Highlights the coming together of different elements or ideas.

moment of truth

Emphasizes a crucial time when a decision or action will reveal the true situation.

strategic moment

Highlights the timing's importance in achieving goals or strategies.

FAQs

How can I use "juncture" in a sentence?

Use "juncture" to refer to a specific point in time, especially a critical or decisive one. For example, "We are at a crucial juncture in our negotiations."

What can I say instead of "juncture"?

You can use alternatives like "critical moment", "turning point", or "key moment" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "juncture" and "intersection"?

"Juncture" typically refers to a critical point in time or a joining of events, while "intersection" refers to a place where things cross or meet. While both can imply a meeting point, "juncture" often carries a sense of significance or decision.

Is "juncture" a formal word?

Yes, "juncture" is generally considered a formal word. It's best used in professional, academic, or news contexts where a more sophisticated vocabulary is appropriate. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "time" or "point" may be more suitable.