At points

USAGE SUMMARY

'At points' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time or a place. For example: "At points throughout the day, I found myself zoning out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

At points, it literally overwhelms".

The Guardian

At points, the politics feels undigested.

The Guardian

At points, his book is as picaresque as Da Ponte's.

The New Yorker

At points, Bourne uses ballet vocabulary itself as an anachronism.

The New Yorker

At points, I started buying into a lot of it.

Independent

At points, Lethem's conception of Lionel's syndrome is brilliantly vivid.

The Guardian - Books

At points, however, a fair bit is taken on trust.

The Guardian

At points, protesters set fires and turned over dumpsters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

His performance at point guard eluded comprehension.

The New York Times - Sports

The Mackenzie River delta begins at Point Separation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's five sigma at point two".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at points" to indicate that something happens or is true in certain instances but not consistently. This can add nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

While "at points" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal contexts where more precise language may be preferable. Consider alternatives like "in some instances" or "occasionally" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at points" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate that something occurs intermittently or in specific instances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at points" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something occurs intermittently or in specific instances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's commonly found in news media and scientific contexts. While generally neutral, consider more precise language for highly formal writing. Alternatives include "occasionally", "sometimes", and "in some instances". Remember to avoid overuse and ensure clarity by selecting the most contextually appropriate phrase. Consider these usage tips for more precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In some instances

Highlights specific occurrences rather than continuous presence.

Sometimes

Similar to 'occasionally', implying non-continuous occurrence.

Intermittently

Directly conveys the idea of stopping and starting at intervals.

Occasionally

Indicates something happening now and then, less specific about location than "at points".

Sporadically

Similar to 'intermittently' but can also suggest unpredictability.

From time to time

Indicates irregular intervals, focusing on time rather than specific locations.

At certain junctures

Refers to particular moments or stages, often in a process or narrative.

Every so often

Suggests irregular occurrences with no fixed pattern.

Here and there

Emphasizes the scattered or intermittent presence across a space.

In places

Highlights that something is true for some places, and not others.

FAQs

How can I use "at points" in a sentence?

You can use "at points" to indicate something that occurs intermittently or in specific instances. For example, "The movie was confusing "at points" but overall enjoyable."

What are some alternatives to "at points"?

Alternatives include "occasionally", "sometimes", or "in some instances". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "at points" formal or informal?

"At points" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "at points" and "in general"?

"At points" indicates specific instances or moments, while "in general" refers to a broad or overall condition. They are essentially opposites in meaning.