a point when

USAGE SUMMARY

"a point when" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a specific moment or event in time. Example: "There was a point when I realized that I needed to make a change in my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a point when the crime happened.

The New York Times

"You reach a point when you become numb," he recalls.

The New Yorker

Yes, there was a point when that happened.

The New York Times

Was there a point when you hated your twins?

The New York Times

There comes a point when you don't want to know.

The New Yorker

Yet there came a point when things got loose.

The New Yorker

But there's a point when busy veers into the pathological.

The Washington Post

There's a point when Caroline stops fighting, too.

The New York Times

There comes a point when you have to stop.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There comes a point when rest turns to rust.

The New York Times - Sports

"But there's a point when that's no longer appropriate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a point when" to clearly indicate a specific moment or turning point in a narrative or argument. Ensure the context provides enough information to understand the significance of that moment.

Common error

Avoid using "a point when" repetitively without clearly defining the significance of each instance. Vary your sentence structure and use more descriptive language to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a point when" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a clause that specifies a particular moment or circumstance. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, it often marks a turning point or significant event within a narrative or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a point when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction phrase that serves to introduce a specific moment or turning point within a narrative or argument. According to Ludwig, it effectively establishes a temporal relationship, highlighting the significance of that particular instant. While versatile across various contexts, it's most commonly found in news and media, with a slightly less presence in academic settings. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the context is clear and the moment's significance is well-defined. Given Ludwig AI's assessment, you can confidently use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moment that

Focuses on a specific, brief period or instant.

a time that

Refers to a period, which may be longer than a moment.

an instance where

Highlights a specific occurrence or event.

an occasion when

Denotes a specific event or instance.

the instant that

Emphasizes the immediacy and precision of the timing.

a situation in which

Emphasizes the circumstances or context.

a circumstance where

Highlights a specific condition or state.

a stage where

Suggests a phase or level in a process.

a juncture at which

Implies a critical or decisive moment.

a period in which

Refers to a longer duration or span of time.

FAQs

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

Use "a point when" to introduce a specific moment or turning point in a narrative or discussion. For example, "There was "a point when" I realized I needed to change my career path".

What are some alternatives to "a point when"?

You can use alternatives like "a moment that", "a time that", or "an instance where" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a point when"?

While grammatically correct, using "a point when" may be less effective if the context is vague or the moment being described lacks significance. Ensure the sentence clearly indicates the importance of that specific time.

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

"A point when" often implies a specific, crucial moment, while "a time when" can refer to a more extended period or general era. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a particular instant or a broader timeframe.