undergo a crisis

USAGE SUMMARY

'undergo a crisis' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficult period of time in someone's life, especially when it involves difficult decisions or immense change. For example, "She was forced to undergo a crisis when she had to choose between moving to another state for a promotion or staying with her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Frightened his illness will undergo a crisis before then, his mother said: "I am preparing myself to bury him".

Independent

The movie, in which Kiki, accompanied by Jiji, her little black cat, strikes out on her own in a learning year required of all witches, only to undergo a crisis of confidence, will be screened with a program of international shorts.

The New York Times - Arts

"But most mass murders are done by working-class men who've been jilted, fired, or otherwise humiliated — and who then undergo a crisis of rage and get out one of the 300 million guns in our country and do their thing," Dr. Stone said.

The New York Times - Health

Why did the humanities disciplines undergo a crisis of legitimation?

The New York Times - Books

Dr. Stone concludes, "Most mass murders are done by working-class males who've been jilted, fired, or otherwise humiliated -- and who undergo a crisis of rage and get out one of the 300 million guns in our country and do their thing".

Huffington Post

Therefore, there is a perception that this process could undergo a crisis and will take a long period of time to be implemented.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Over the past decade, international human rights law has undergone a crisis of public and political confidence.

The Guardian

Then, in my mid-20s, I underwent a crisis of faithlessness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the meantime, Newton's relations with Fatio had undergone a crisis.

Britannica

Now I live in the West and my concern is Europe, which is undergoing a crisis".

The New York Times - Arts

[C1.] Federal Agency to Address Crisis in Cancer Research Despite promising discoveries and multibillion-dollar investments, cancer research is quietly undergoing a crisis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undergo a crisis" when you want to emphasize a significant turning point or a period of instability and challenge. For less dramatic situations, consider alternatives like "experience a difficult period".

Common error

Avoid using "undergo a crisis" for minor setbacks or inconveniences. Save it for situations that genuinely represent a turning point or a period of significant difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undergo a crisis" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject is experiencing or being subjected to a period of intense difficulty or change. Ludwig AI confirms that is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undergo a crisis" effectively communicates that an individual, organization, or even an abstract concept is experiencing a period of significant difficulty or upheaval. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for a range of formal and neutral contexts such as news reporting and scientific discussions. While synonymous alternatives exist – like "experience a difficult period" – "undergo a crisis" retains a unique intensity. Be mindful, however, not to overuse it for insignificant challenges; reserve it for truly pivotal and challenging situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go through a trying time

This suggests a difficult experience, usually emotional or stressful.

endure a period of hardship

This emphasizes the sustained and difficult nature of the experience.

experience a difficult period

This alternative is a broader and less intense way of describing a challenging time.

navigate a turbulent phase

This highlights the active effort of managing a period of instability.

face a challenging situation

This focuses on confronting a specific difficulty rather than a prolonged crisis.

grapple with adversity

This emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in overcoming difficulties.

encounter a major setback

This emphasizes a reversal of progress, differing from the more general term of a crisis.

confront a critical juncture

This highlights a decisive moment or turning point, which may or may not be negative.

be in dire straits

This suggests severe difficulties and a lack of options.

meet with misfortune

This focuses on the unfortunate nature of events, lacking the intensity of a crisis.

FAQs

What does it mean to "undergo a crisis"?

To "undergo a crisis" means to experience a period of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. It often implies a turning point or a situation that demands significant change or resolution.

What can I say instead of "undergo a crisis"?

You can use alternatives like "experience a difficult period", "face a challenging situation", or "go through a trying time", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "undergo a crisis" or "go through a crisis"?

"Undergo a crisis" and "go through a crisis" are largely interchangeable. Both are grammatically correct and widely understood. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What situations might cause someone to "undergo a crisis"?

Situations that might cause someone to "undergo a crisis" include job loss, financial difficulties, health problems, relationship breakdowns, or major life transitions. It generally involves intense stress and uncertainty.