at a specific time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a specific time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular moment or period when something occurs or is scheduled to occur. Example: "The meeting is scheduled to start at a specific time, so please be punctual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some jobs must start at a specific time.

The New York Times

Ask a hundred people to be at a specific location at a specific time.

The New Yorker

It is lived-in space, seen at a specific time of day: sunset.

The New York Times - Arts

With your lines, are you working on them at a specific time of day?

The New Yorker

Hence the pleasure of a solid place at a specific time: New York, 1926.

The New Yorker

Treatment with each reagent was at a specific time point between the first and second peak.

Nature

How do I get homework assignments, tests, etc.? Will classes meet at a specific time?

Cornell University

Compare this with, for example, explaining why there was a partial collapse of the banking system at a specific time.

The Guardian - Opinion

She recently got a call from a client, a buyer who needed to meet at a specific time.

The New York Times

This painting is about the experience or the action of this exact place at a specific time.

The New York Times

Such charts are maps of the stars in the sky at a specific point on Earth at a specific time.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling events or tasks, always specify the time clearly using the phrase "at a specific time" to avoid ambiguity and ensure that everyone involved understands the exact timing.

Common error

Avoid using vague language like "sometime soon" or "later today". Instead, use "at a specific time" to provide clarity and avoid misunderstandings. For instance, instead of saying, "I'll call you later", say "I'll call you "at 3 PM"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a specific time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action occurs. It adds temporal precision to statements, as supported by Ludwig's examples where activities are pinpointed to certain moments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a specific time" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a precise moment or period. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is widely used across diverse fields like news, science, and general communication. It serves to clarify schedules, specify deadlines, and ensure clear communication by avoiding ambiguity. While alternatives like "at a particular time" or "at a designated time" exist, "at a specific time" provides a straightforward and easily understood method for referencing specific timing in any context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a particular time

Replaces "specific" with "particular", indicating a certain point in time but slightly less precise.

at a designated time

Substitutes "specific" with "designated", implying that the time has been predetermined or assigned.

at a set time

Replaces "specific" with "set", suggesting a prearranged or fixed time.

at a precise time

Replaces "specific" with "precise", emphasizing the exactness of the time.

at a given time

Uses "given" instead of "specific", implying the time is predetermined or assumed.

at a fixed time

Replaces "specific" with "fixed", indicating that the time is unchangeable or established.

at a defined moment

Shifts the focus from a period to a singular point in time, using "moment" instead of "time".

on a schedule

Implies adherence to a timetable or plan.

at the appointed hour

Uses more formal language to denote a pre-arranged meeting time.

at a predetermined moment

Suggests the time was set in advance, before the actual occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "at a specific time" to clearly indicate when an event or action will occur. For example, "The webinar will begin "at 10 AM EST"." Using this phrase helps avoid ambiguity.

What are some alternatives to using "at a specific time"?

You can use alternatives such as "at a particular time", "at a designated time", or "at a set time" depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance while maintaining the core meaning.

Is it better to say "at a specific time" or "at a certain time"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "at a specific time" implies a higher degree of precision. "At a certain time" can be slightly more general, while "at a specific time" suggests a clearly defined moment.

What's the difference between "at a specific time" and "on a specific date"?

"At a specific time" refers to a particular hour and minute, such as "at 2:30 PM". "On a specific date" refers to a particular day, month, and year, like "on July 4th". You can combine them for maximum clarity: "The event is scheduled for July 4th at 2:30 PM".