at no time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at no time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something did not happen at any point in time. Example: "At no time did I agree to those terms during our negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At no time did she recover consciousness.

The Guardian

At no time — at no time — were intelligence sources or methods discussed.

The Washington Post

At no time do gophers occupy the forest.

Geomorphology

However, at no time were boundaries of safety overstepped.

Cornell University

At no time was she consenting to the act".

Independent

At no time did I make such statements.

The Economist

At no time during that conversation was anybody threatened.

The New York Times

"But at no time did it concern me.

The New York Times

At no time in this process did I do that.

The New York Times - Sports

At no time was I promised a job".

The New York Times

"At no time were Bagram defenses breached," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at no time" to add emphasis and formality when stating that something never occurred. For example: "At no time did the company intend to mislead its investors."

Common error

Avoid using "at no time" in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "never" or "not once" in informal settings.

How to use

Learn how to use "at no time" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at no time" functions as a negative adverbial, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something did not occur. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it adds emphasis to the negation, similar to adverbs of frequency like 'never'. Examples show its use to strongly deny an event or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at no time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used negative adverbial phrase. As noted by Ludwig AI, it serves to emphatically deny or negate a statement, emphasizing that something never occurred. Predominantly found in formal contexts such as news, academic writing, and professional communication, it adds a layer of emphasis often absent in simpler alternatives like "never". While versatile, "at no time" is best reserved for situations demanding formality and precision, avoiding its use in casual settings where it may sound overly stilted. Remember this advice to be precise in your communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Never

This is a direct synonym, implying that something did not happen at any point.

Under no circumstances

This phrase emphasizes a strong prohibition or condition under which something will not occur.

On no occasion

This implies that something did not happen during any specific event or instance.

Not ever

This is a more emphatic way of saying "never", reinforcing the idea that something did not happen at all.

In no way

This indicates that something is impossible or will not happen by any means.

By no means

Similar to "in no way", this emphasizes that something is definitely not the case.

Absolutely not

This phrase expresses a firm denial or refusal.

Not once

This highlights that something did not happen even a single time.

In no instance

This suggests that something did not occur in any particular case or example.

Not in any way

This emphasizes that something is completely excluded from happening.

FAQs

How can I use "at no time" in a sentence?

"At no time" is used to emphasize that something never happened or was never the case. For example, "At no time was I aware of the risks involved."

What are some alternatives to "at no time"?

You can use alternatives such as "never", "under no circumstances", or "on no occasion" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "at no time" or "in no time"?

"At no time" means never, while "in no time" means very quickly. Therefore, the correct phrase depends on the intended meaning. For example, "At no time did I see him" versus "He finished the job in no time."

What's the difference between "at no time" and "not at any time"?

"At no time" and "not at any time" are very similar in meaning, both emphasizing that something did not occur. "At no time" is slightly more formal and emphatic. You can use "At no time did I say that" and it is equivalent to "I did not say that at any time".