at a given time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a given time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something happens at a particular moment or point in time. For example: "We must ensure that all our employees are trained at a given time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We must judge what people do at a given time".

The Guardian

"Dolls reflect what is going on in a culture at a given time.

The New York Times - Arts

My only goal is to satisfy my own particular interest at a given time".

The Guardian - Arts

You are, in effect, contracting to pick up such valuables at a given time.

The Guardian - Books

As many as four controllers work there at a given time.

The New York Times

"It can only funnel so much at a given time," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

This work defines the culture in a given place at a given time.

The Guardian - Music

"How you define sexiness depends on your personal life at a given time".

The New York Times

Freaks violated whatever historical, racial, physical or social norms prevailed at a given time.

The New York Times - Books

Engineers design for the biggest flood or highest winds that seem plausible at a given time.

The New York Times

We can't know what information voters at a given time feel entitled to.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a given time" to clearly indicate that something occurs at a specific point, not continuously or generally. For example, "The system can process only one request "at a given time".

Common error

Don't use "at a given time" when describing actions that occur continuously or over an extended period. It implies a discrete point, which can confuse the reader if the action is ongoing. For example, instead of "The machine was running "at a given time"," say "The machine was running continuously."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a given time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the timing of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a given time" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to specify the timing of events or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from scientific reports to news articles. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, providing essential temporal clarity. To ensure effective writing, use "at a given time" when precision is needed, and avoid it when describing continuous or general actions. Consider using alternatives such as "at a specific time" or "at a particular time" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a particular time

Replaces 'given' with 'particular', emphasizing a specific moment.

at a specific time

Uses 'specific' instead of 'given', highlighting precision.

at a certain time

Substitutes 'given' with 'certain', suggesting a defined but not necessarily precise moment.

at any point in time

Broadens the scope to include any moment, rather than a predetermined one.

during a period

Focuses on duration rather than a single point.

in a timeframe

Emphasizes a set duration or schedule.

within a time window

Highlights a specific, limited period.

on a specific occasion

Focuses on a particular event or instance.

at some stage

Implies a non-specific point in a process or timeline.

in due course

Indicates something will happen eventually at an appropriate moment.

FAQs

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

Use "at a given time" to specify that something happens during a particular moment. For example, "Only one process can access the database "at a given time".

What phrases are similar to "at a given time"?

You can use phrases such as "at a particular time", "at a specific time", or "at a certain time" depending on the desired level of precision.

Is it correct to say "in a given time" instead of "at a given time"?

While "in a given time" might be understood, "at a given time" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrase to indicate a specific point in time.

What is the difference between "at a given time" and "at any time"?

"At a given time" refers to a particular, specified moment, whereas "at any time" indicates that something can happen at any moment without restriction. For instance, "The system can be accessed "at any time", but only one user can modify it "at a given time".