at a point when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a point when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific moment in time during a situation or event. Example: "At a point when the sun began to set, the sky turned a beautiful shade of orange."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He broke with Mubarak at a point when some of the older establishment advised against it.

The New Yorker

"This was at the point of... " It was at a point when Mr. Jewison was hot.

The New York Times

"He came in at a point when we were having a little bit of a struggle.

The New York Times - Sports

At a point when the game was still somewhat competitive, Snow stuffed the few breakdowns.

The New York Times - Sports

"Infernal Affairs" begins at a point when Yan and Ming's lives intersect.

The New York Times

"Now we're at a point when I see a lot of stability in the organization".

The New York Times - Sports

But I'm not at a point when I can afford that yet".

The Guardian - Sport

"'I'm at a point when I want a diligent routine and I really want to get back into work.

Independent

At that time carbon dioxide levels begin to rise at a point when they ought to start falling.

The Economist

Cameron would run rings around such a figure at a point when his own inexperience is becoming an issue.

Independent

In his own words, "He was a dangerous figure on British TV at a point when television didn't do danger.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a point when" to clearly establish the temporal context of an event or decision. This helps the reader understand the specific circumstances surrounding it.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences that obscure who or what is acting. For example, instead of "A decision was made at a point when resources were scarce", write "The team made a decision at a point when resources were scarce".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a point when" functions as a temporal connector, linking an action or event to a specific moment in time. It introduces a dependent clause that provides context for the main clause, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a point when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used temporal connector that introduces a dependent clause specifying the timing of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to create a clear temporal relationship, highlighting the specific circumstances surrounding an action or decision. Found predominantly in "News & Media" and "Science", its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for various writing contexts. For more general use, consider alternative phrases such as "at a time when". While it is commonly used, writers should be mindful of clarity and avoid overusing passive voice constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a time when

This alternative is a more common and general way to indicate a specific period.

during a period when

This alternative emphasizes a duration of time rather than a single moment.

in a situation where

This alternative focuses on the circumstances present at a particular time.

under circumstances where

This option highlights the conditions affecting an event's occurrence.

at the instant that

This alternative emphasizes the immediacy of an action or event.

in the moment that

This alternative is more conversational, suggesting immediacy and focus.

on the occasion that

This option is more formal, referring to a specific event or happening.

when the moment arrived that

This is a more elaborate option, emphasizing the arrival of a critical time.

as the time came that

This option is more literary, indicating the progression to a critical moment.

upon the occurrence that

This formal alternative emphasizes the subsequent effect of a particular event.

FAQs

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

Use "at a point when" to introduce a clause that specifies the timing or circumstances surrounding an event or action. For example: "He decided to leave "at a point when" the situation became untenable."

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

You can use alternatives such as "at a time when", "during a period when", or "in a situation where" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "at a point when" and "at a time when"?

While similar, "at a point when" often suggests a more specific or critical moment in time, whereas "at a time when" can refer to a broader period.

Can "at a point when" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "at a point when" is suitable for formal writing, especially when precision in timing is important. However, ensure the overall tone and structure of the sentence remain consistent with the formal context.