on a critical path

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a critical path" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a project or task which has a defined timeline and which is important for other tasks or projects to be completed within that timeline. For example, "We need to ensure that we keep our new software development project on a critical path, so that it is available by the end of this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The concern for how we look is now on a critical path of our pursuit of happiness.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I shocked myself by planning my route on a Gant Chart, a critical path through East Africa and South America on a spreadsheet.

The Guardian - Travel

When deciding how to undertake a complex project, you focus first on your endpoint, then develop a critical path and a timeline by working backward to the present.

Harvard University

We see these goals falling on the critical path towards a government that can create an inclusive economy and society where people and the planet can thrive.

University of California, Berkeley

This is not to say that entrepreneurship education is not helpful, rather that it is probably not on the critical path to a regional entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Harvard Business Review

On April 29th , 2008 Critical Path became a private company, backed by its main shareholders, General Atlantic Partners and Cheung Kong Group.

TechCrunch

"I feel like my grandma: 'You can do that with your phone?' " EBay is so convinced of the future of mobile phone shopping that on Wednesday it acquired Critical Path Software, a mobile phone app developer, to speed its move into this new arena.

The New York Times - Tech

Concretely, a new crossover operator based on the critical path was specifically designed.

Applied Soft Computing

Fourthly, a problem-dependent local search based on the critical path and blocks is embedded into CHEDA to enhance the local exploitation ability.

Applied Soft Computing

The structure of multiplier with a low critical path delay is based on a parallel and independent computation of multiplication by power of the variable polynomial.

Microelectronics Journal

"The first flight is an unmanned flight, but Orion, as you know, is a capsule for future human transportation so it's a big deal that Esa is now on the critical path together with the Americans for human transportation".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When managing projects, clearly identify tasks that fall "on a critical path" to ensure resources are allocated effectively and deadlines are met. This approach helps prioritize essential activities.

Common error

Avoid assuming all tasks are equally important. Failing to recognize which activities are "on a critical path" can lead to inefficient scheduling and potential project delays. Focus on tasks that directly impact the overall timeline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a critical path" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating that something is essential or crucial for the successful completion of a project or achievement of a goal. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a critical path" is a prepositional phrase used to denote the essential nature of a task or element in achieving a goal, as verified by Ludwig AI. It functions to highlight importance and urgency, appearing frequently in science, news, and business contexts. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize tasks vital for meeting project deadlines, but avoid the error of treating all tasks as equally critical. Consider alternatives such as "essential for success", and "vital to completion" for nuanced expression. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate the importance of key project components.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential for success

Highlights the necessity of something for achieving a positive outcome.

vital to completion

Emphasizes the importance of something for finishing a task or project.

indispensable for progress

Focuses on the crucial role of something in moving forward or advancing.

fundamental to achievement

Stresses the foundational nature of something in reaching a desired result.

key to realization

Indicates that something is a crucial element in making something happen.

central to the timeline

Highlights that the specific element is very important for the project schedule.

critical for the outcome

Stresses the importance of something for achieving desired results.

necessary for advancement

Emphasizes that a specific element is needed to make progress.

imperative for attainment

Highlights the critical importance of something for achieving a goal.

integral to fulfillment

Indicates that something is an essential part of completing a task or project.

FAQs

How can I use "on a critical path" in a sentence?

You can use "on a critical path" to describe tasks or activities that are essential for the timely completion of a project. For example, "The software development is "essential for success", so it is on a critical path."

What's a good alternative to "on a critical path"?

Alternatives to "on a critical path" include "vital to completion", "indispensable for progress", or "essential for success", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean for a task to be "on a critical path"?

When a task is "on a critical path", it means that it directly affects the project's overall timeline. Any delay in that task will delay the entire project. Therefore, it is "necessary for advancement".

How do I identify tasks that are "on a critical path" in project management?

Identify tasks that are "on a critical path" by mapping out all project activities and their dependencies. Those tasks without any slack time, meaning any delay directly impacts the project completion date, are "key to realization".