at different times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at different times" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to two or more things that occurred or will occur at different points in time. For example: "I visited the same museum twice, but at different times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The circumstances differ at different times.

BBC

Depression manifests differently in everyone and at different times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Visit at different times.

The New York Times

"She says different things at different times.

The New York Times

Moreover, they ripen at different times.

The Economist

"We came at different times," he explained.

The New Yorker

"Both, at different times," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Maturity comes at different times.

The New York Times - Sports

Different dinosaurs lived at different times.

University of California, Berkeley

And he brought her at different times.

The Washington Post

Even rush hour comes at different times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research methodologies, specify that data was collected "at different times" to emphasize longitudinal data collection or varied conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "at different times" interchangeably with phrases like "at the same time" or "simultaneously". The phrase "at different times" specifically indicates non-overlapping occurrences, whereas other phrases indicate concurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at different times" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify when an action occurs. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show it describing actions that don't happen simultaneously.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at different times" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that events or actions occur separately in time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various registers. As shown by Ludwig, it functions to provide temporal clarity in many contexts, including news, academia, and everyday conversation. Although interchangeable with phrases like "at various moments", it is important to distinguish it from phrases indicating simultaneity. Its frequency and authoritative sources underscore its importance in clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at various moments

Replaces "different times" with a synonym emphasizing specific points in time.

at separate instances

Focuses on the individuality and distinct nature of each occurrence.

on separate occasions

Emphasizes the distinct and individual nature of each event.

at alternating periods

Suggests a pattern of occurrences that switch back and forth.

at staggered intervals

Highlights the uneven spacing between events.

at irregular intervals

Focuses on the unpredictable spacing between occurrences.

during different phases

Emphasizes distinct stages or periods within a larger process.

at distinct junctures

Highlights critical or significant points in time.

in varying circumstances

Shifts the focus from time to the different conditions or situations surrounding each event.

at asynchronous rates

Emphasizes a lack of synchronization in the timing of events.

FAQs

How can I use "at different times" in a sentence?

You can use "at different times" to indicate that events occur separately in time, such as, "We visited the museum "at different times" to see all the exhibits".

What are some alternatives to "at different times"?

Alternatives include "at various moments", "at separate instances", or "on separate occasions", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'in different times' instead of "at different times"?

While "in different times" might be understood, "at different times" is the more idiomatic and grammatically standard choice for indicating varying points in time.

How does "at different times" compare to "at various times"?

"At different times" and "at various times" are very similar and often interchangeable. However, "at different times" emphasizes the distinction between the times, while "at various times" simply indicates multiple occurrences.