at a point of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a point of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific moment or stage in a process or situation. Example: "At a point of crisis, the team had to make quick decisions to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mammograms are at a point of uncertainty.

The New York Times - Magazine

The fracture occurred at a point of localized stress concentration.

Failure Analysis Case Studies II

She was at a point of extreme anguish".

Independent

"We are at a point of no return," Erdoğan said.

The Guardian

Thatcher's idea is now at a point of crisis.

The Guardian

"We're at a point of maximum frustration here," he said.

The New York Times

Everyone has played the playground swing since young at a point of time.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

This should help spread the mobile wallet revolution and help enable NFC payments at a point-of-sale level.

TechCrunch

iACCEPT enables customers to make payments at a points-of-sale using their smartphones or tablets.

Forbes

And instead of scanning items at a point-of-sale cashier stand, customers will use a specialized Sam's Club Now mobile app.

TechCrunch

This distribution is centered at a point-of-departure dose that is usually estimated from animal data.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a point of" to clearly indicate a specific stage or moment in a process, ensuring that the context makes the significance of that point evident.

Common error

Avoid using "at a point of" when the specific stage or condition is not clearly defined. For example, instead of saying "The project is at a point of progress", specify the level of progress achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a point of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a specific stage, condition, or moment in time. It is used to provide context and specify where something stands in relation to a larger process or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a point of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a specific stage, condition, or moment in time. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is common in news, scientific, and academic contexts, making it suitable for various writing styles. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly defines the point being referenced and avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "during a phase of" or "in a state of" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during a phase of

Replaces "point" with "phase", emphasizing a period or stage in a process.

at a stage of

Substitutes "point" with "stage", highlighting a step or level in a progression.

at a moment of

Emphasizes a specific, brief period.

in a state of

Replaces the entire phrase with "in a state of", focusing on a condition or situation.

at a juncture of

Uses "juncture" instead of "point", suggesting a critical or decisive moment.

in the midst of

Focuses on being actively involved or surrounded by a situation.

in a period of

Focuses on a longer duration or span of time.

at the edge of

Suggests being close to a boundary or threshold.

under conditions of

Highlights specific circumstances or requirements.

at the height of

Indicates being at the peak or most intense part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "at a point of" in a sentence?

Use "at a point of" to specify a particular stage, moment, or condition within a broader process or situation. For example, "We are "at a point of no return"" indicates that a decision has been made with irreversible consequences.

What are some alternatives to "at a point of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "during a phase of", "in a state of", or "at a juncture of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "at a point of" formal or informal?

"At a point of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider alternatives like "in a period of" or "under conditions of" for enhanced precision.

When is it best to avoid using "at a point of"?

Avoid using "at a point of" when the stage or condition you are referring to is vague or unclear. In such cases, provide specific details to make your statement more precise and impactful. A weaker phrase would be "in the midst of".