a point at which

USAGE SUMMARY

"a point at which" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single moment in time or a particular event where something begins or changes. For example, "The election was a turning point at which the nation decided to take a new direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But there's a point at which narcissism shades into sociopathy.

The New York Times

"There's a point at which your life is not interesting".

The New Yorker

"There is a point at which you can't go on.

The New York Times

Amid all the suffocations and electrocutions, however, there's a point at which diminishing returns kick in.

The New York Times

There is a point at which we say there's no more than Mother Nature out there".

The New York Times - Health

Does Hezbollah have a final goal, a point at which it would be satisfied?

The New Yorker

"All too often there comes a point at which expectations shrink.

Independent

There's a point at which even the most emphatic preservationist must acknowledge the indulgence of nostalgia.

The New York Times

"But I also think there's a point at which I have to move on".

The New York Times

There's a point at which it becomes dangerous and I think that is probably it".

Independent

There's a point at which garden-­variety fecklessness bleeds into tragedy, but where?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a point at which" to clearly indicate a specific moment, stage, or condition that leads to a change or a new development. Ensure the clause following "at which" is well-defined and directly relevant to the preceding context.

Common error

Avoid using "where" in place of "at which" when referring to a point in time or a conditional state. "Where" is typically used to refer to a physical location, while "at which" is more appropriate for abstract or non-physical points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a point at which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an adjectival clause, modifying a noun (often abstract) by specifying a condition, stage, or moment of change. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely utilized. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its role in specifying critical junctures or thresholds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Arts

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a point at which" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce adjectival clauses, specifying a condition, stage, or moment of change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While alternatives like "a stage where" or "a juncture when" exist, "a point at which" provides clarity and precision in formal communication. Remember to use it to clearly define the conditions leading to a shift or new development, and avoid substituting "where" for "at which" in formal writing. With examples drawn from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this phrase remains a reliable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a juncture when

Substitutes "point" with "juncture", emphasizing a critical moment or intersection of events.

a stage where

Replaces "point" with "stage", implying a progression or sequence leading to a particular condition.

a threshold where

Replaces "point" with "threshold", highlighting a boundary or limit that is crossed.

the instant that

Highlights the immediacy of the moment, replacing "point" with "instant".

a time when

Focuses on the temporal aspect, replacing "point" with "time" for a more general reference to a moment.

a situation where

Shifts the focus to the circumstances or conditions, using "situation" instead of "point".

a moment that

Simplifies the structure, using "moment that" to denote a specific point in time.

a condition where

Focuses on the necessary circumstances, substituting "point" with "condition".

an instance when

Replaces "point" with "instance", referring to a specific occurrence or example.

a level where

Emphasizes a specific degree or standard, using "level" in place of "point".

FAQs

How can I use "a point at which" in a sentence?

Use "a point at which" to introduce a clause that specifies a particular moment, stage, or condition when something changes or a new development occurs. For example, "There is "a point at which" further investment yields diminishing returns".

What are some alternatives to "a point at which"?

Alternatives include "a stage where", "a juncture when", or "a threshold where", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a point where" instead of "a point at which"?

While "a point where" might be acceptable in informal contexts, "a point at which" is generally more grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, especially when referring to non-physical locations or conditions.

What's the difference between "a point at which" and "a time when"?

"A point at which" can refer to a specific moment, stage, or condition, whereas "a time when" specifically refers to a moment in time. The former is broader and can encompass non-temporal aspects.