at certain points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at certain points" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate specific moments or instances within a larger context or timeframe. Example: "At certain points during the presentation, the speaker paused to allow for questions from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At certain points we felt very intrepid.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At certain points the voices thin out.

The New York Times - Arts

At certain points, Moretti invokes the spirit of Fellini.

Independent

"It reaches these crescendo pitches at certain points".

The New York Times

At certain points, I felt I was flying with it.

The Guardian

At certain points it still seemed to have a grain.

The Guardian - Travel

At certain points, the Knicks said, they even overpassed.

The New York Times - Sports

"Maybe it could have stopped at certain points.

The New York Times

At certain points, clumps of trees block the view, a classic Olmsted trick.

The New York Times - Travel

For much of its length, it is twelve lanes wide; at certain points, it's eighteen.

The New Yorker

At certain points in modern lives, living alone is the more desirable state.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at certain points" to add detail to your writing. It helps signal that something isn't always true, but happens under specific conditions or at specific times. For instance, "The trail is steep at certain points, so be prepared for a challenging hike."

Common error

Avoid using "at certain points" without providing context. Saying "The movie dragged at certain points" is vague. Instead, specify which scenes or aspects caused the dragging, for example: "The movie dragged during the dialogue-heavy scenes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at certain points" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurs. It specifies that an action or condition is not constant but happens intermittently or under particular circumstances, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at certain points" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify that an action or condition occurs intermittently or under particular circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, be specific in your writing to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "at times" or "in some cases" to tailor the nuance to your specific needs. The frequent usage and clear meaning make "at certain points" a reliable choice for expressing occasional or conditional occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at specific junctures

Replaces "points" with "junctures", emphasizing moments of decision or transition.

at particular instances

Substitutes "certain" with "particular" and "points" with "instances", highlighting specific occurrences.

in certain situations

Shifts the focus to conditional circumstances rather than precise moments.

at select moments

Replaces "certain" with "select", emphasizing the chosen nature of those moments.

at times

A more general way to express that something happens occasionally.

during some phases

Frames the occurrences within specific periods or stages.

under certain circumstances

Highlights the conditions that influence the occurrence.

on occasion

Simplifies the phrase to indicate something happening sometimes, but less precisely.

from time to time

Indicates intermittent occurrences over a period.

in some cases

Focuses on instances where a condition or event is true.

FAQs

How can I use "at certain points" in a sentence?

Use "at certain points" to indicate that something occurs occasionally or under specific conditions. For example, "At certain points during the journey, we lost cell service".

What are some alternatives to "at certain points"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at times", "occasionally", or "in some cases" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "at certain points" or "at specific points"?

Both phrases are correct, but "at specific points" implies a higher degree of precision, while "at certain points" suggests a less defined or more variable timing.

How does "at certain points" differ from "in general"?

"At certain points" indicates specific instances, whereas "in general" refers to overall or typical conditions. For example, "At certain points, the road was icy", versus "In general, the road conditions were good".