at a single point in time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a single point in time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment or instant when something occurs or is considered. Example: "The data was collected at a single point in time, which may not represent the overall trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Short-term data sets are like snapshots of the environment at a single point in time.

The New York Times

Yet even a slow-lagging cancer is unlikely to arise at a single point in time after exposure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cortisol levels fluctuate during the day meaning results were not always accurate, and only revealed cortisol levels at a single point in time.

The Guardian

"Measuring who has disease and high BPA levels at a single point in time cannot tell you which comes first," Dr. Schwartz said.

The New York Times - Health

"This was not a cross-sectional sample, but an opportunity sample, an evaluation done at a single point in time," Dr. Carling said.

The New York Times - Health

Single phase MRA captures vascular images at a single point in time.

Insights into Imaging

Our study evaluated the use of a contemporary hs-CRP at a single point in time.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Studies with more hospitals have assessed the relationship of checklists with teamwork at a single point in time.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

However, extant research is limited to comparisons between monolinguals and bilinguals at a single point in time.

Journal of Experimental Child Psychology

Validation of electronic systems is a process versus a focused activity that finishes at a single point in time.

Value in Health

Serial exams may be more useful to guide resuscitation than an exam at a single point in time.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data collected at different times, acknowledge that data collected "at a single point in time" might not represent long-term trends or changes. This provides context for your analysis.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or making sweeping generalizations based solely on data collected "at a single point in time". Always consider the potential for temporal variations and the limitations of cross-sectional data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a single point in time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when something occurs. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used to denote measurements, evaluations or snapshots taken at a particular moment. It is mostly used in contexts where the time aspect is crucial to the subject matter being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a single point in time" is a versatile adverbial phrase primarily used to specify the timing of an event or observation. It's commonly found in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and widely used. When using this phrase, be aware of its limitations; data collected "at a single point in time" provides a snapshot, which may not represent broader trends. Alternatives such as "at a unique point in time" or "at a single moment in time" can be considered to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a unique point in time

Replaces "single" with "unique", emphasizing the distinctiveness of the moment.

at a single moment in time

Substitutes "point" with "moment", providing a more common and slightly less formal alternative.

at just one point in time

Adds "just" for emphasis on the singularity of the moment.

at one specific moment

Replaces 'single point' with 'specific moment', offering a more detailed alternative.

at a particular instant

Uses "instant" instead of "point" or "moment", suggesting a very brief duration.

at a given moment

Emphasizes that the time is predetermined or specified.

in a specific instance

Shifts the focus to a particular occurrence or event.

at that precise moment

Adds precision to the timing being referred to.

on a single occasion

Focuses on the event occurring only once.

in a one-time assessment

Highlights the assessment being performed only once.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a single point in time" to describe data collection, measurements, or observations made during a specific, isolated moment. For example, "The study only measured stress levels "at a single point in time", so it doesn't show changes over time."

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

Alternatives include "at a unique point in time", "at a single moment in time", or "at just one point in time" depending on the context.

Is it better to collect data "at a single point in time" or over a longer period?

It depends on the research question. Data collected "at a single point in time" provides a snapshot, while data collected over time can reveal trends and changes. Longitudinal studies usually provide more comprehensive data.

What are the limitations of data collected "at a single point in time"?

Data collected "at a single point in time" may not be representative of typical conditions, and it cannot be used to establish causality or understand changes over time. It provides only a static view.