time is critical

USAGE SUMMARY

"time is critical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to emphasize the importance of time passing quickly in order to achieve an important goal. For example, "With the deadline looming, time is critical if we are going to finish this project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time is critical, she said.

The New Yorker

"Time is critical," he said.

The New York Times

Time is critical," Kerry said.

The Guardian

Time is critical, because the application deadline is in September.

The New York Times

"I know the time is critical," Mr. Benour said.

The New York Times

To many investors in Treasury bills, time is critical.

The New York Times

The information shortfall is slowing scientists' investigation into an emerging epidemic when time is critical.

The New York Times

That's because making the right decision at the right time is critical for buyers.

The Washington Post

Having high-quality data at the right time is critical to tracking and measuring outcome improvement.

Harvard Business Review

Taking sufficient time is critical to this, as contributors to the debate on the My Home Life website have stressed.

The Guardian

Quantifying the distribution of erosion in space and time is critical to understanding landscape evolution.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time is critical", provide context to explain why time is of the essence. This helps the audience understand the urgency and prioritize accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "time is critical" excessively, as it can dilute its impact. Reserve it for situations where the time constraint genuinely has serious repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is critical" functions as an adjective phrase indicating the urgent need for prompt action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to emphasize the importance of swiftness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time is critical" is a phrase used to stress the importance of acting swiftly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of situations. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its relevance in both current events and research. While highly effective, remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that its impact isn't diluted through overuse. Consider using alternatives like "time is of the essence" or "urgency is key" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is of the essence

Emphasizes urgency and the need for swift action.

quick action is essential

Emphasizes the necessity of prompt intervention.

urgency is key

Focuses on the crucial need for immediate attention.

immediate action required

Highlights the need for instant and rapid response.

every second counts

Stresses that even small units of time are valuable.

promptness is crucial

Highlights the need for immediate and on time response.

speed is paramount

Highlights the importance of quickness and rapidity.

there's no time to waste

Indicates that time should not be used inefficiently.

swiftness is vital

Highlights the need for quickness and swiftness.

delay is detrimental

Highlights the negative consequences of postponing action.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "time is critical"?

When someone says "time is critical", it means that there's a high level of urgency and that acting quickly is essential to achieving a positive outcome or avoiding a negative one.

How can I use "time is critical" in a sentence?

You can use "time is critical" to emphasize the importance of acting quickly. For example, "In emergency situations, "time is critical" for saving lives".

What are some alternatives to saying "time is critical"?

Alternatives include "time is of the essence", "urgency is key", or "quick action is essential". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to say "time is critical"?

"Time is critical" is appropriate in situations where delays could have serious consequences, such as medical emergencies, project deadlines, or crisis management scenarios. In such scenarios "delay is detrimental".