at a time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a time" is correct in written English and can be used to indicate that something is happening or being done gradually or in stages.
For example: "We will improve our customer service one step at a time, beginning with shortening response times on email inquiries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One sheet at a time".

The New York Times - Magazine

One moment at a time.

The New York Times

One move at a time.

The New York Times - Sports

"One rock at a time".

The New York Times

One testicle at a time.

The New Yorker

One kid at a time.

The New York Times

One state at a time".

The New Yorker

"One pet at a time".

The New York Times

"One opponent at a time.

The New York Times - Sports

One day at a time.

The New York Times

One game at a time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a time" to emphasize a deliberate, staged approach to a task, especially when managing complexity or preventing overwhelm.

Common error

Avoid using "at a time" when a simpler adverb like "gradually" or "incrementally" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a time" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating how an action is performed, whether it's gradually, sequentially, or in specific increments. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "at a time" is a versatile tool for emphasizing a gradual or incremental approach. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and wide range of usage across diverse contexts like news, wikis, and even more formal settings like business highlight its utility in both written and spoken English. While "at a time" is generally applicable, being mindful of simpler alternatives is essential to prevent unnecessary verbosity. Its consistent and clear function makes it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little at a time

Suggests a slow, gentle approach and small amount.

one by one

Stresses the individual handling of each item or task.

step by step

Highlights the sequential progression of actions.

in stages

Highlights the division of a process into distinct phases.

incrementally

Focuses on the gradual nature of the process, emphasizing small steps.

piece by piece

Emphasizes assembling something from smaller components over time.

gradually

Emphasizes the slow and steady nature of the process.

bit by bit

Similar to 'piece by piece', but can also refer to gaining knowledge or experience slowly.

in installments

Implies a structured series of payments or deliveries.

by degrees

Indicates a subtle and measured change over time.

FAQs

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

The phrase "at a time" indicates that something is done or happens in single increments or continuous periods. Example: "Please submit your applications one "application at a time" to avoid overwhelming the system."

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "one by one", "incrementally", "step by step", or "gradually" instead of "at a time". For example, instead of saying "deal with issues one "issue at a time"", consider "address issues "issue by issue"".

Is there a difference between using "one at a time" and "at a time"?

"One at a time" emphasizes individuality and sequence, highlighting that each item or task is handled separately. "At a time" can refer to continuous periods. For instance, "The machine processes requests "3 requests at a time"."

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "at a time"?

Use "at a time" when you want to emphasize a controlled, phased approach. This is useful when dealing with complex projects, learning new skills, or managing limited resources. For example, "We are rolling out the software update region "region at a time" to minimize disruptions".