At certain points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At certain points" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate specific moments or instances within a larger context or timeframe. Example: "At certain points during the presentation, the audience seemed particularly engaged and attentive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At certain points I haven't.

The Guardian

"At certain points we felt very intrepid.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At certain points the voices thin out.

The New York Times - Arts

At certain points, Moretti invokes the spirit of Fellini.

Independent

At certain points, I felt I was flying with it.

The Guardian

At certain points it still seemed to have a grain.

The Guardian - Travel

At certain points, the Knicks said, they even overpassed.

The New York Times - Sports

At certain points, clumps of trees block the view, a classic Olmsted trick.

The New York Times - Travel

At certain points in modern lives, living alone is the more desirable state.

The New York Times

At certain points, he says, his coke habit "was getting stupid".

The Guardian - Music

At certain points the towers part to reveal the arena's bulging facade behind them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is key, replace "at certain points" with terms that reflect exactly what points you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "at certain points" as a vague placeholder. If you can't define the specific points, consider rephrasing to indicate a general tendency or possibility, rather than implying specific instances. For example, instead of saying "At certain points, the system fails", say "The system is prone to failure" if the exact conditions of failure are unknown.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "At certain points" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when something occurs. It indicates that an action or situation happens during particular moments or instances, adding temporal or conditional context. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is found in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "At certain points" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate specific moments or instances within a broader context. According to Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia, underscore its reliability in written English. When using "At certain points", ensure that the context provides enough clarity regarding the specific points in question, enhancing precision and avoiding ambiguity. While this phrase enjoys broad acceptance, it's essential to prevent overuse without specification, opting for more descriptive alternatives when precision is key. Considering all the sources and examples found, it is confirmed that "At certain points" is a very common, valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At particular moments

A very close synonym that emphasizes the singularity and specificity of the "moments" in question.

Under certain conditions

Similar to "in select circumstances", but more directly points to the necessary prerequisites for something to happen.

In some instances

Focuses on individual occurrences or examples, emphasizing the particularity of each case.

In select circumstances

Emphasizes the conditions or situation, suggesting that the occurrence is dependent on specific factors.

At specific junctures

Replaces "points" with a more formal synonym, "junctures", implying a more decisive or critical moment.

During particular episodes

Emphasizes the occurrence within distinct events or incidents.

At various stages

Highlights progression through different periods, suitable when referring to a development or process.

During some phases

Uses "phases" to suggest a period or stage, rather than an isolated moment.

On occasion

Implies that something happens sporadically or intermittently, rather than at predictable "points".

From time to time

Indicates that something happens periodically, suggesting a less structured occurrence than "at certain points".

FAQs

How can I use "At certain points" in a sentence?

Use "At certain points" to indicate that something happens during specific moments or instances within a larger context. For example: "At certain points during the movie, the suspense was palpable."

What are some alternatives to "At certain points"?

You can use alternatives like "In some instances", "On occasion", or "At various stages depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to use "At certain points" or "During certain times"?

Both "At certain points" and "During certain times" are grammatically correct, but "At certain points" can refer to more specific moments, while "During certain times" is typically used to indicate a period or duration. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What is the difference between "At certain points" and "Under certain circumstances"?

"At certain points" refers to specific moments or instances, while "Under certain circumstances" refers to specific conditions or situations. The phrase "Under certain circumstances" implies that something is conditional.