at any given time

USAGE SUMMARY

"at any given time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "at any given time" when you want to emphasize that a general statement about something is true for any period or moment of time. For example, "We strive to provide the best customer service at any given time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At any given time, 20 percent are incarcerated.

The New York Times

Thousands and thousands, at any given time".

The Guardian - Books

It has 450 to 600 cases at any given time.

The Washington Post

"Anybody can step up at any given time".

The New York Times - Sports

Still, there are few available at any given time.

The New York Times

It's something they can do at any given time.

The New York Times

She has 10 to 12 clients at any given time.

The New York Times

It's like it could happen at any given time".

The New York Times

You know that he can strike at any given time.

The New York Times - Sports

(They like to say 99 at any given time).

The New York Times

"He's got multiple races going at any given time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at any given time" to emphasize the potential or possibility of something happening or being true at any moment. This clarifies that the statement applies continuously and without specific temporal limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "at any given time" in sentences where its inclusion doesn't add significant meaning. For example, instead of saying "The library is open at any given time during the day", simply state "The library is open during the day" if the continuous availability is already implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at any given time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurs or is possible. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to emphasize the continuous potential or possibility of an action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

33%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at any given time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. As verified by Ludwig AI, it emphasizes the continuous availability or potential of something. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, it carries a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "at any moment" exist, "at any given time" provides a specific nuance of constant potential. Avoiding overuse and ensuring its meaningful contribution to a sentence will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at any moment

Shorter and more direct, focusing on a specific point in time.

at any point in time

More emphatic, stressing the continuous nature of the possibility.

at all times

Implies a continuous state, whereas the original phrase suggests a potential state.

at any instance

Highlights a particular occurrence or event.

at any stage

Refers to a specific phase in a process or situation.

at any juncture

Emphasizes a critical or decisive point in time.

at any occasion

Focuses on an opportunity or event.

at whatever time

Broader and less formal, suggesting a lack of restriction.

at each moment

Stresses the repetitiveness or frequency of the possibility.

during any period

Highlights a duration rather than a specific instant.

FAQs

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

Use "at any given time" to indicate that something is possible or true at any moment. For example: "The system can handle multiple requests "at any given time"."

What are some alternatives to "at any given time"?

Alternatives include "at any moment", "at all times", or "at any point in time". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "at any given point in time"?

While "at any given point in time" is similar to "at any given time", it is more emphatic and stresses the continuous nature of the possibility. The simpler phrase is often sufficient.

Which is more formal, "at any given time" or "at all times"?

"At any given time" tends to be slightly more formal than "at all times", though both are acceptable in most formal contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.