key situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key situation" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a crucial or important moment or event in a situation. Example: The team's success in the game depended on how they handled the key situation in the final quarter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"A key situation," Coughlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's who steps up to seize a key situation.

The New York Times

"Tony's not afraid to put anybody into a key situation".

The New York Times - Sports

"Actually just turning it up a bit and getting the key outs in the key situation.

The New York Times

"It was an awesome home run in a key situation," Sanders said of the Bonds blow.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's what makes him special: In the key situation to come up big," Jagr said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Does Washington stick with the running game long enough in key situations?

The New York Times - Sports

"Our pitchers had to get those guys out in key situations," McKeon said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Marty, in those key situations, you know he'll be really good," Kovalchuk said.

The New York Times - Sports

There was no eye-popping defensive wizardry, just crisp plays executed in key situations.

The New York Times - Sports

"Every player wants to be out there in key situations, and I wasn't," Staal said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key situation", ensure the context clearly establishes why the situation is crucial. Provide specific details to emphasize its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "key situation" as a generic filler. Always specify what makes the situation "key" to maintain clarity and impact. Otherwise the sentence could result generic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key situation" functions as a noun phrase, where "key" acts as an adjective modifying "situation". This identifies a particular moment or set of circumstances as crucial or important. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key situation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to emphasize the importance of a specific moment or circumstance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "key situation", ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify why the situation is significant and avoid overuse. Consider related phrases like ""critical juncture"" or "pivotal moment" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical juncture

Replaces "situation" with "juncture", emphasizing a point of decision or action.

pivotal moment

Substitutes "situation" with "moment", highlighting a specific point in time of great importance.

crucial circumstance

Replaces "situation" with "circumstance", focusing on the conditions that affect an event or action.

significant event

Replaces the adjective and the noun highlighting the noteworthiness of the event.

important opportunity

Shifts the focus to the potential positive outcome of the situation.

defining moment

Emphasizes that the situation will significantly shape future outcomes.

vital instance

Replaces "key" with "vital" and "situation" with "instance", indicating essential importance.

make-or-break scenario

Highlights the high stakes and decisive nature of the situation.

turning point

Focuses on the moment where a significant change in direction occurs.

decisive episode

Replaces "situation" with "episode", framing the event as a distinct part of a larger sequence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "key situation" in a sentence?

To effectively use "key situation", clearly define the context and the stakes involved. For example, "The company's response to the crisis represented a "critical juncture" for its public image".

What are some alternatives to "key situation" that I can use to avoid repetition?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "pivotal moment", "crucial circumstance", or "defining moment".

Is "important situation" interchangeable with "key situation"?

While similar, "key situation" implies a more critical or decisive nature than "important situation". The choice depends on the specific degree of significance you want to convey.

What makes a situation qualify as a "key situation"?

A "key situation" is characterized by its potential to significantly impact outcomes, alter trajectories, or determine success or failure. It is a "make-or-break scenario" where decisions and actions carry substantial weight.