at approximately that time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at approximately that time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific time frame that is not exact, often in narratives or reports. Example: "The event occurred at approximately that time, leading to significant changes in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In "A Serious Man," the Coen brothers tell a story about a boy who is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah in 1967 in a suburb of Minneapolis (which is what the Coens themselves did and where they did it at approximately that time).

The New Yorker

We stopped surveying individual movements after 10 days of transmitter attachment because transmitter batteries were expected to run out at approximately that time.

Plosone

The fawn starts suckling 30 60 minutes after birth and also stands up at approximately that time.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Use your alarm clock to wake up at approximately that same time each morning.

WikiHow

In studies of G93A transgenic mice that model SOD1-fALS, sedimentable detergent-insoluble aggregates of mutant SOD1 first begin to accumulate at approximately the time that symptoms become first noticeable (at ∼80 days of age) (4, 5).

Human Molecular Genetics

We have spoken to individuals who are potential witnesses, who corroborate that at approximately the time or at some point after the incident occurred, not too long thereafter, they actually told one or more people about what happened.

The Guardian

But the Nets could still sneak in, even if they lose, if the Orlando Magic upsets the Charlotte Hornets in a game that begins at approximately the time the Nets and Pistons will be finishing.

The New York Times - Sports

Consequently, circulating listeriae could find a protective environment available at approximately this time.

Plosone

The quadriceps tendon was then tapped at approximately that level about seven times during a trial, with a random interval averaging about 2.5 seconds.

BioMed Research International

It has been difficult to ascribe blame for the die-offs, especially in North America, because humans arrived and began settling that continent at approximately the same time that the warming that melted the Northern Hemisphere's high-latitude ice sheets really kicked into gear.

Science Magazine

Differences in rates of brand- and generic-attributed AEs were statistically significant for both study drugs; the AE rate for the branded products peaked at approximately 10 times that of the generic levetiracetam products and approximately 4 times that of the generic enoxaparin sodium products.

Advances in Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at approximately that time" when you want to indicate an estimated timeframe without being overly precise. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts where exactness is not crucial.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "at approximately that time" excessively in technical or scientific writing where precise data and specific time references are expected. Provide specific dates or times whenever possible to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at approximately that time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the time an event occurred. It indicates an estimated or non-specific point in time. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at approximately that time" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate an estimated point in time. Ludwig confirms its validity. Although not highly frequent, it appears across various source types, including science, news, and wiki articles, demonstrating its versatility. Alternative phrases such as "around that time" or "about that time" offer similar meanings, with the best choice depending on the context and desired level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure that an approximate timeframe is acceptable and that more precise timing isn't required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around that time

Replaces "at approximately" with "around", making it slightly less formal.

about that time

Substitutes "at approximately" with "about", offering a simpler alternative.

at roughly that time

Uses "roughly" instead of "approximately", implying an imprecise estimate.

near that time

Uses "near" instead of "approximately", indicating close proximity in time.

at about the same time

Highlights the simultaneity with another event or period.

in that general timeframe

Emphasizes the lack of precision with "general timeframe".

circa that time

Uses the Latin term "circa" to indicate approximation, often used in historical contexts.

in that period

Replaces the entire phrase with a reference to a defined period.

sometime around then

Simplifies the phrase to a more casual expression.

during that era

Specifies a broader timeframe, suggesting a historical period.

FAQs

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

You can use "at approximately that time" to refer to a point in time that is not exact. For example: "The incident occurred "at approximately that time", leading to a series of investigations."

What are some alternatives to "at approximately that time"?

Some alternatives include "around that time", "about that time", or "near that time". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "at approximately that time"?

It's appropriate when you don't have precise timing information or when the exact time is not crucial to the context. It's suitable for narratives, reports, or general discussions where an estimate is sufficient.

Is "at approximately that time" formal or informal?

"At approximately that time" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. Simpler alternatives like "about that time" might be preferred in very informal settings.