It was almost time to begin the mission's most critical phase.
"Iraq is experiencing a critical phase now during which it needs cooperation."
In some people, the disease goes into a critical phase after the high fever is gone.
Russia is going through a critical phase which will determine its political future.
But he knew the war was entering a critical phase.
The plan was at a critical phase, and he wasn't leaving anything to chance.
But if they're not here as we approach the critical phase, things could get a little sticky when the work piles up.
The Government has entered a critical phase in its privatization program.
The present development of the disease is clearly passing through a critical phase.
Now the country has entered a hopeful, though critical, phase.