a time at which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time at which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referencing a specific time; for example, "We will meet at 9AM, a time at which we agreed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Arguably, the most important difference between the two studies was the timing of the second sample, with ours being at 12 weeks, a time at which the clinical response to infliximab is evident.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

If every being were possible, therefore, then there would be a time at which nothing existed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If a being is capable of not existing, then there is a time at which it does not exist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the affairs of individuals, as in the affairs of nations, there comes a time at which a moral duty arises to forget.

The New York Times

"It was a time at which I could look back and see my past, and look forward and see my future.

The Guardian - Books

"The Menezes family are deeply pained to find their phones may have been hacked at a time at which they were at their most vulnerable and bereaved.

The Guardian

I tweeted as much yesterday and received demands for evidence in response, so I'll run through the numbers.In fact, there was a time at which Mr Obama, by Mr Romney's reckoning, was an even more effective job destroyer*.

The Economist

What is damaging for children is if they can't get back to a place where they know the parent really does love them – in other words, if there's never a time at which the child has a secure base.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"At a time at which many countries are struggling with tight public budgets.

BBC

When activating a chain, it is possible to specify a time at which a specific command has to be executed.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Half time of generated foam is referred as a time at which height of the foam column reaches half of its initial value.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a time at which" when you need to clearly and formally specify a particular moment or period in relation to an event or condition. For example, "There was a time at which the technology was not available."

Common error

Avoid using "a time at which" in informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "when" or "during" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted. Instead of saying "That was a time at which I was happy", consider saying "That was when I was happy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time at which" functions as a relative adverb, introducing a relative clause that modifies a noun (time). It specifies a particular moment or period relevant to the main clause. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a time at which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used relative clause, serving to specify a particular moment or duration in relation to an event or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, indicating a formal tone. While versatile, it's important to consider simpler alternatives like "when" or "during" in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage across various reliable sources, solidifying its place in formal English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a point in time when

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

an instance where

Substitutes "time" with "instance", focusing on a particular occurrence.

a period when

Uses "period" instead of "time", highlighting a duration rather than a specific moment.

a situation in which

Replaces the temporal aspect with a more general "situation", broadening the context.

a case where

Similar to "instance", but emphasizing a specific example or event.

an occasion when

Focuses on a specific event or happening.

a stage where

Implies a phase or step in a process.

a moment that

Simplifies the structure by using "that" instead of "at which", making it less formal.

when

The simplest alternative, omitting "a time" for brevity.

during which

Highlights an ongoing duration or process.

FAQs

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

Use "a time at which" to specify a particular moment or period relevant to an event or condition. For instance, "There will be "a time at which" these challenges are overcome."

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

Alternatives include simpler options like "when", "during", or more specific phrases like "an instance where" or "a period when", depending on the context.

Is "a time at which" more formal than "when"?

Yes, "a time at which" is generally more formal than "when". Using "when" is often more appropriate in informal or conversational contexts.

When should I avoid using "a time at which"?

Avoid using "a time at which" in informal settings or when simpler alternatives like "when" or "during" suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted.