this was critical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was critical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance or significance of a particular event, decision, or piece of information in a narrative or analysis. Example: "During the meeting, we realized that the data we received was flawed, and this was critical to our project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"This was critical," Schriock says.

The New Yorker

This was critical to Harvey.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But this was critical of the NCCL.

The Guardian

This was critical to gaining public and political support.

The Guardian

This was critical to categorize atoms as noncyclic or cyclic.

Chemical Engineering Science

This was critical because, according to studies, capital juries are heavily influenced by whether or not the defendant shows remorse.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"But this is critical.

The Guardian

In fact, this is critical.

The New York Times

But perhaps this is critical overreaching.

The New York Times

This is critical for strengthening relationships.

The Guardian

This is critical for improving care.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was critical" to underscore the importance of a specific action, decision, or factor in a narrative or analysis. Be sure the context clearly explains why it was so important.

Common error

Avoid using "this was critical" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can dilute its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "this was essential" or "this was vital" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was critical" functions as a declarative statement expressing the high importance or necessity of a previously mentioned action, event, or factor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys significance within a context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

27%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was critical" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to emphasize the importance or necessity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal settings. While highly versatile, avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain impact. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to underscore significance, making it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this proved essential

Replaces "critical" with "essential", highlighting the necessity of something.

this turned out vital

Uses "vital" instead of "critical", indicating that something became crucial.

this was of utmost importance

Emphasizes the high level of importance of something.

this held significant weight

Indicates that something carried considerable importance or influence.

this was indispensable

Highlights that something was absolutely necessary and could not be done without.

this was paramount

Indicates that something was supreme or dominant in importance.

this played a key role

Focuses on the part something played in achieving a result.

this was a game changer

Indicates that something significantly altered the situation.

this had major implications

Emphasizes the far-reaching consequences of something.

this was a deciding factor

Highlights that something determined the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "this was critical" in a sentence?

Use "this was critical" to emphasize the vital importance of something in a particular situation. For example, "Ensuring data accuracy was critical to the success of the project."

What can I say instead of "this was critical"?

You can use alternatives like "this proved essential", "this turned out vital", or "this was of utmost importance" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this was critical"?

It's appropriate to use "this was critical" when you want to highlight a factor, action, or decision that was absolutely necessary or crucial for achieving a particular outcome.

Is "this is critical" different from "this was critical"?

"This is critical" refers to something that is currently important, while "this was critical" refers to something that was important in the past. The choice depends on whether the importance is ongoing or has already passed.