at a predetermined time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a predetermined time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific time that has been decided in advance for an event or action to occur. Example: "The meeting will start at a predetermined time to ensure all participants are present."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

However, in study 1 cattle were culled at a predetermined time point post challenge or, in both studies, at a predetermined end point when the development of BSE was not expected in surviving animals.

BMC Veterinary Research

Stock options give employees the right to buy shares of stock at a predetermined time.

The New York Times - Tech

Investigators concluded that the explosion was conducted at a predetermined time.

The New York Times

Traditionally, the redundancy allocation model has focused mainly on maximizing system reliability at a predetermined time.

Scientia Iranica

Depending on the size of the show, as many as several hundred potential buyers write their names on individual pieces of paper at his booth, and at a predetermined time a name is drawn.

Wikipedia

It is far more efficient to plan your day in advance and answer your low-priority messages at a predetermined time.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The flask was corked and, thereafter, agitated in a temperature controlled water bath shaker, operated at 130 rpm; for a predetermined time.

Applied Water Science

Macaques were sacrificed upon development of AIDS or at a predetermined timed sacrifice following four weeks of minocycline treatment.

Plosone

According to each participant's wishes, the first author either met him/her at a predetermined place or called at the predetermined time.

BMC Nephrology

At the predetermined time point, an aliquot of 20 μl volumes were removed from each test suspension and plated on SDA for determining the colony forming units.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The particle size and entrapment efficiency of micelles incubated in SGF and SIF at 37 °C were determined at predetermined time intervals.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling events or experiments, use "at a predetermined time" to emphasize the planning and control involved. This clarifies that the timing was not arbitrary.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the actor performing the action "at a predetermined time" is unclear. Actively state who made the determination to enhance clarity and responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a predetermined time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, specifying when an action takes place. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing events scheduled in advance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a predetermined time" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify that an event or action is planned for a specific moment decided in advance. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides examples across Science, News & Media, and Wiki domains. While uncommon, its proper use enhances clarity and predictability. Alternatives like "at a "set time"" or ""scheduled time"" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At the pre-established time

Synonym of "predetermined", slightly more formal.

At the set time

Uses a simpler adjective ('set') instead of 'predetermined' to indicate a pre-established time.

At a scheduled hour

Replaces 'time' with 'hour', implying a specific clock time that has been scheduled.

At a prearranged moment

Substitutes 'time' with 'moment', suggesting a brief, planned occasion.

At the decided time

Emphasizes the decision-making process behind the time, making it a chosen moment rather than simply a scheduled one.

On a fixed schedule

Focuses on the routine aspect, implying a regular timetable.

At the appointed hour

Uses 'appointed' to emphasize the formality or significance of the scheduled time.

At a designated point in time

Replaces 'predetermined time' with a more elaborate expression, stressing a specific, chosen moment.

By appointment

Highlights that the action or meeting requires a prior scheduling agreement.

When the time comes

Expresses that an action will occur when a certain moment, already anticipated, arrives.

FAQs

What does "at a predetermined time" mean?

The phrase "at a predetermined time" refers to a specific moment that has been decided or scheduled in advance, rather than being chosen spontaneously.

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

You can use "at a predetermined time" to indicate that an event or action will occur at a specific moment that has been planned. For example: 'The experiment will start at a predetermined time to ensure accurate data collection.'

Which is correct, "at a predetermined time" or "at a determined time"?

"At a predetermined time" is more common and implies the time was set in advance. "At a determined time" could suggest the time was decided upon at some point, but doesn't necessarily imply prior planning. Predetermined specifies it was decided before the event.

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

Alternatives include "at a "set time"", "at a "scheduled time"", or "on a fixed schedule", depending on the specific context you're trying to convey.