At what time

USAGE SUMMARY

'At what time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when asking a question about a specific time. For example: "At what time will the meeting begin?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At what time could he be expected.

The New Yorker

At what time?

The Guardian

–At what time period(s) in American history was this theme very important?

The New York Times

At What time?

WikiHow

At what time?: A quelle heure?

WikiHow

"Regardless of what it was at what time, it didn't turn out too badly.

The New York Times - Sports

Tell me at what time I must be carried on board".

The New York Times - Books

But it did not say at what time it would be shown each night.

The New York Times

The question is at what time -- before or after the government shuts down".

Los Angeles Times

But I always had to know which hallway was safe to walk down at what time".

Vice

If the mothers have ceased breast milk feeding, they are asked at what time they ceased.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. In formal settings, "at what time" can sound more appropriate than "what time".

Common error

While "what time" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, using "at what time" provides a slightly more polished tone, ensure it fits your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at what time" functions as an interrogative phrase, specifically used to inquire about a precise moment or point in time. Ludwig AI identifies it as a grammatically correct way to seek specific timing details, as demonstrated in its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

20%

Science

44%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at what time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used interrogative phrase to inquire about a specific moment in time. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it is prevalent across News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, indicating its broad applicability. While "what time" is a common alternative, "at what time" lends a slightly more formal tone, especially suitable for professional or academic settings. Remember to use it when precision matters and consider the context for the most appropriate register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What time

A slightly less formal variation of the original phrase.

At what hour

Uses "hour" instead of "time", implying a specific hour.

When

A shorter, more direct way to ask about the time something will occur.

At what moment

Highlights the precise instant of something happening.

When exactly

Adds emphasis to the need for a precise timing.

At what juncture

Indicates a critical point or stage when something occurs.

On what occasion

Focuses more on the event rather than solely the time.

At what stage

Focuses on a specific point in a process or development.

During which period

Emphasizes a duration or segment of time.

By what deadline

Stresses the latest acceptable time for completion.

FAQs

How do I use "at what time" in a sentence?

Use "at what time" to ask a question about a specific point in time. For example, "At what time does the concert start?"

Is it correct to say "what time" instead of "at what time"?

While "what time" is commonly used and generally acceptable, "at what time" may be preferred in more formal contexts for added precision and politeness. It depends on the setting and audience.

What are some alternatives to "at what time"?

You can use alternatives like "when", "what time", or "at what hour" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "at what time" and "when"?

"When" is a more general term for asking about time, while "at what time" seeks a specific time. For instance, "When is the event?" vs. "At what time does the event begin?"