when it mattered most

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it mattered most" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of a specific moment or situation where something was crucial or significant. Example: "She always stood by my side when it mattered most, proving her loyalty and support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider this list of achievements and its common theme of extraordinary acts when it mattered most.

The Guardian - Sport

Unruffled, Flacco shone when it mattered most.

The New York Times - Sports

But he delivered when it mattered most.

The New York Times - Sports

And it happened when it mattered most.

The Washington Post

When it mattered most, their nobler instincts took over.

The New York Times - Books

Williams showed up when it mattered most, though.

The New York Times - Sports

The Pacers were clutch when it mattered most.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately, when it mattered most, the IOC failed to lead.

The Guardian - Sport

But McGahn acted honorably and bravely when it mattered most.

The New York Times

Hospice care failed my father when it mattered most.

The New York Times

Contreras (7-3) handled them when it mattered most.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it mattered most" to underscore the significance of a specific action or decision in a critical situation. For example, "The team's resilience shone through when it mattered most, securing their victory."

Common error

Avoid using "when it mattered most" excessively in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your language sound overly dramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it mattered most" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the specific time at which an action or event was most significant or critical. Ludwig's examples demonstrate how the phrase often adds emphasis to the importance of that moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sports

40%

General

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when it mattered most" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to emphasize the critical nature of a particular moment or situation. It functions as an adverbial phrase, highlighting the significance of actions or events occurring at that specific time. Ludwig's analysis, combined with the provided examples, confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Sports. While versatile, it's important to consider the register and avoid overuse in informal settings. Several alternatives, such as "at the crucial moment" or "when it was most important", can be used to add variety to your writing. According to Ludwig, the phrase is well accepted in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when it was most important

Substitutes "mattered" with "important", simplifying the language.

at the crucial moment

Replaces "when" with "at" and uses "crucial" instead of "mattered most", focusing on the decisive point.

in the most critical situation

Rephrases the idea to highlight the severity of the situation at the key time.

at the critical juncture

Uses more formal language to pinpoint the decisive point.

at the moment of truth

Emphasizes the point where the real outcome is revealed.

when push came to shove

An idiomatic phrase indicating a critical confrontation or decision point.

when things were on the line

Highlights a situation where there are significant stakes or risks involved.

when the chips were down

An idiomatic phrase signifying a difficult or critical situation.

at the eleventh hour

An idiomatic expression referring to the last possible moment.

in the nick of time

Another idiom expressing rescue from an impending negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "when it mattered most" in a sentence?

Use "when it mattered most" to emphasize a crucial point in time where an action or decision had significant impact. For example: "She demonstrated true courage "when it mattered most", standing up for what she believed in."

What are some alternatives to "when it mattered most"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at the crucial moment", "in the most critical situation", or "when it was most important", depending on the context.

Is "when it mattered most" formal or informal?

The phrase "when it mattered most" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to consider the tone. In highly formal situations, you might opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "at the critical juncture".

What's the difference between ""when it mattered most"" and "when it was convenient"?

"When it mattered most" highlights a point of critical importance or urgency, while "when it was convenient" refers to a time that was easiest or most suitable for someone. The former emphasizes significance, whereas the latter emphasizes ease.