a point in time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a point in time when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment or occasion in the past, present, or future. Example: "There was a point in time when we believed that technology would solve all our problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is a point in time when they recycle.

The New York Times

"You reach a point in time when enough is enough," Mr. Schoolman said.

The New York Times

"I mean, there was a point in time when I shot 40 percent from the 3.

The New York Times - Sports

"But there's a point in time when you just say it's just over the top".

The New York Times

"There came a point in time when we had only bad weeks".

The New York Times

"There comes a point in time when you need to make a point," Hurdle said.

The New York Times

"There's a point in time when you don't know how much publicity George will be getting.

The New York Times

If there is a point in time when they can be mobilized, this is as good as any".

The New York Times - Sports

And I have said all along there will come a point in time when enough is enough".

The New York Times

Many states were formed at a point in time when a people sharing a common history, culture, and language discovered a sense of identity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There really came a point in time when Taylor's game was beginning to suffer because of the financial constraints that I was experiencing," Shelia Townsend said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a point in time when" to clearly indicate a specific moment or period that is relevant to your statement. Ensure that the context makes the temporal reference clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a point in time when" in overly passive constructions. Reframe sentences to highlight the actor or event occurring at that specific time, creating a more direct and engaging statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a point in time when" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a relative clause, modifying a noun by specifying a temporal context. It indicates a particular moment or period relevant to the main clause. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a point in time when" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to specify a particular moment or period, Ludwig confirms. Appearing frequently in news, scientific, and general writing, it serves to establish a temporal reference, providing context to an event or situation. While it is appropriate in most contexts, being mindful of potential over use is always beneficial. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's versatility in describing past experiences, critical junctures, and conditional scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moment when

Replaces "point in time" with "moment", emphasizing a shorter, more specific duration.

the time that

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct reference to a specific time.

an occasion when

Similar to "a moment when", but can imply a more formal or significant event.

a period when

Substitutes "point in time" with "period", indicating a longer duration or span.

a stage where

Implies a phase or step within a larger process or development.

an instance where

Replaces the temporal reference with a conditional one, focusing on a specific occurrence.

a juncture at which

Highlights a critical or decisive moment, often indicating a turning point.

a situation in which

Shifts the focus from time to the circumstances surrounding an event.

a circumstance where

Focuses on the specific conditions present during a particular event.

a day when

More specific, replacing point in time with a day.

FAQs

How can I use "a point in time when" in a sentence?

Use "a point in time when" to specify a particular moment or period related to an event or situation. For example, "There was "a point in time when" I thought I would never understand algebra."

What are some alternatives to "a point in time when"?

You can use alternatives such as "a moment when", "a period when", or "an instance where" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a point in time when" or "the time that"?

"A point in time when" is more descriptive and can emphasize the significance of the moment. "The time that" is simpler and more direct. The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

How does the formality of "a point in time when" compare to other phrases with similar meanings?

"A point in time when" is generally considered neutral in formality. Phrases like "a juncture at which" are more formal, while phrases like "back when" are more informal.