at a certain point in time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a certain point in time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment or period in the past, present, or future when discussing events or situations. Example: "At a certain point in time, we realized that our approach was not yielding the desired results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An eye tracker can tell you where they're looking at a certain point in time.

Princeton University

"At a certain point in time you learn what your back needs".

The New York Times

At a certain point in time, the distinction may have made sense.

Harvard Business Review

When they take an imprint is it not fixed at a certain point in time?

The Guardian

"At a certain point in time, we just turned it on".

The New York Times - Sports

"I think at a certain point in time," said Mr. Strada, the Westbury mayor, "this will all be revisited".

The New York Times

"At a certain point in time, things happened so fast that human intervention was not possible," Mr. Holstein said.

The New York Times

"I have no doubt that at a certain point in time RNAi will make it to the market," said Klaus Stein, head of therapeutic modalities for Roche.

The New York Times

Firstly, probabilities only make sense when you frame them at a certain point in time or with a clearly defined set of assumptions.

Independent

For example, telling a colleague that you're going to finish a task at a certain point in time may be the nudge you need to get something done.

Harvard Business Review

A difference in power could therefore lead to an ITPC difference; that is the variability in phase angles across epochs at a certain point in time.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a certain point in time", ensure the context provides sufficient clarity about the specific moment or period you are referencing. If the time is vague, consider using a more precise alternative or adding clarifying information.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "at a certain point in time" can sometimes sound overly formal or verbose. In less formal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "eventually" or "later" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a certain point in time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action or state occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and common way to introduce a temporal element into a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

59%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a certain point in time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for indicating a specific moment or period. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s suitable for various writing contexts, though simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal settings. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business writing, the phrase serves to establish a temporal reference and can add a layer of formality to your communication. Remember to ensure clarity and precision when employing this phrase to effectively convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a given moment

Substitutes "certain point in time" with a simpler, more direct term.

at some juncture

Replaces "point in time" with a more concise synonym.

at some future date

Specifically refers to an unspecified time in the future.

at one stage

Focuses on a phase or period, rather than a precise moment.

when the time comes

Highlights a future moment when something is expected or planned.

eventually

Indicates something will happen at a later, unspecified time.

in due course

Suggests something will happen when the time is right or appropriate.

sooner or later

Implies an event will occur at some unspecified future time.

down the line

Suggests an event will happen later in a sequence or process.

in the fullness of time

Emphasizes a longer, more gradual process leading to a certain point.

FAQs

How can I use "at a certain point in time" in a sentence?

Use "at a certain point in time" to indicate a specific, though perhaps not precisely defined, moment when something occurred or will occur. For example, "At a certain point in time, we realized our efforts were futile."

What are some alternatives to "at a certain point in time"?

You can use alternatives like "eventually", "later", or "at some stage" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "at a certain point in time" interchangeable with "at a specific point in time"?

While similar, "at a specific point in time" implies a greater degree of precision. "At a certain point in time" suggests a moment that is defined but not necessarily pinpointed, while "at a specific point in time" implies exactness.

How does the formality of "at a certain point in time" compare to other similar phrases?

"At a certain point in time" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "later on" or "eventually". Choose your phrasing based on the intended audience and the overall tone of your writing.