sensitive juncture

USAGE SUMMARY

"sensitive juncture" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to a critical or pivotal moment in time, often with important consequences. Example: The negotiations between the two countries were at a sensitive juncture, with tensions high and the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough or complete breakdown.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But it comes at a sensitive juncture in the arms control debate.

The New York Times

"To have it formulated this way, at this sensitive juncture, gives it a kind of significance".

The New York Times

It was not immediately clear why, at such a sensitive juncture, Iraq would choose to move against Russia's economic interests there.

The New York Times

A mistake by one actor will have a negative impact on all others... at this sensitive juncture... the age of zero-sum game is over, although a few actors continue to rely on archaic ways... to retain their domination.

The Guardian

"There will probably be an effort by the government to seek dismissal or deferral of the case on the grounds that at this particularly sensitive juncture in U.S.-Saudi relations, a suit like this would put the interests of private claimaints ahead of the interests of state," he said.

The New York Times

In a warning to protest organizers, the supreme leader said, "If the elite breaks laws, they will be held responsible for violence and bloodshed". He warned Iranians not to cause problems, because "Iran is at a sensitive juncture". And he asserted that foreign governments, especially the United States and Britain, were encouraging the opposition.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Key law-sensitive junctures in launching and growing a startup: assembling a team, organizing a business entity, ownership and compensation, early financing, managing contracts and employees, business distress and winding down, and selling a company.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Your skin is super sensitive at this juncture, so it's best to use non-perfumed, no-alcohol substances.

WikiHow

This is why research on high sensitivity is so important at this juncture: so that a new generation of the highly sensitive can be understood and nurtured to become particularly highly functional adults who are able to manage what some now consider the gift of high sensitivity.

HuffPost

I felt for John too--he's so sensitive". It was Wagner's first directorial assignment and it came at the juncture when the woman's movement was peaking and the underlying historic current of American machismo --which has no greater cultural institutionalization than that of the movies--was beginning to stir.

Los Angeles Times

"No decisions have been taken that would break the strategy at this juncture," said one White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military planning under the sequester.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sensitive juncture" when you want to emphasize that a particular moment or situation requires careful handling because it is critical and has the potential for significant consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "sensitive juncture" in everyday situations that don't carry significant weight or potential for serious impact. Reserve it for moments of true importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive juncture" functions as a noun phrase, where "sensitive" modifies the noun "juncture". According to Ludwig AI, it correctly describes a crucial or pivotal point in time. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as international relations and personal development.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensitive juncture" is a grammatically sound and contextually rich phrase used to describe a critical or delicate point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to emphasize the need for careful consideration and strategic action. While relatively uncommon, it frequently appears in news and academic contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "critical moment" or "delicate stage", ensuring they fit the specific context. To master its use, remember that it's best reserved for serious situations where the outcome carries significant weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical moment

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the specific time.

delicate stage

Highlights the fragility and the need for careful management.

precarious time

Stresses the instability and potential risks involved.

pivotal point

Focuses on the turning point aspect and the potential for significant change.

critical phase

Highlights that the time is a phase in a development process.

key moment

Underscores the significance and importance of the particular instant.

touchy situation

Highlights the potential for conflict or disagreement.

turning point

Emphasizes the shift in direction or outcome.

sensitive period

Highlights a specific window of time where certain factors are more influential.

difficult crossroads

Implies a challenging decision or situation with significant consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "sensitive juncture" in a sentence?

The phrase "sensitive juncture" is typically used to describe a crucial point in time where careful consideration and action are required. For example: "The negotiations reached a "sensitive juncture" when both parties had to make concessions."

What are some alternatives to "sensitive juncture"?

Alternatives include phrases like "critical moment", "delicate stage", or "pivotal point". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "sensitive juncture" formal or informal?

The phrase "sensitive juncture" leans toward the formal side and is appropriate for academic, professional, and news-related contexts. It might sound out of place in casual conversation.

What makes a juncture "sensitive"?

A "sensitive juncture" is characterized by its high stakes, potential for significant consequences, and the need for careful navigation. This might involve delicate negotiations, critical decision-making, or managing a volatile situation.