at one or another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at one or another" is not correct in standard written English; it should be "at one time or another" or "at one point or another." You can use it when referring to an unspecified time in the past when something occurred or was relevant.
Example: "I have, at one time or another, visited every country in Europe."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Among the results from random effect variables, it is especially significant that an average increase is observed of poor HBP control, reaching up to 15% if the patients receive care at one or another health centre and up to 62% depending on the physician nurse pair treating them.

BMJ Open

They rarely skip stages or become stuck at one or another.

Harvard Business Review

Finally, this being New York City, there will inevitably be lawsuits directed at one or another part of the plan.

The New York Times

I've been spending half my waking hours at one or another hospital lately, and I see this kind of thing every day.

The Guardian

He said he intended to spend "some interval" at one or another of the Washington research institutes while he pondered his options.

The New York Times

There are only a few roads, and most wind up at one or another of the island's gorgeous white-sand beaches, framed by the tropical forests of Virgin Islands National Park, which cover more than half the island.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

However, we all have to pay for them one way or another at one time or another.

Huffington Post

This way, you only need to remember the facts, not what you told one person or another, at one time or another.

Los Angeles Times

Every player feels overwhelmed at one time or another, by one thing or another.

The New York Times

I think all musicians have at one time or another experienced one physical problem or another.

The New York Times

Everyone at one point or another, needs someone or something to lean on.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "at one or another" with more grammatically sound alternatives such as "at some point" or "at various times" to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at one or another" when you mean to convey "at one time or another" or "at some point". The former is grammatically incorrect, while the latter options are standard English.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at one or another" functions as an adverbial phrase attempting to indicate an unspecified instance or location. However, according to Ludwig, it is not considered correct in standard written English. The intended meaning is often better conveyed using alternative constructions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

29%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at one or another" appears in various contexts, including news, science, and academia, it is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. Ludwig confirms this assessment. Instead, opt for alternatives such as "at some point" or "at various times" to convey the intended meaning of an unspecified instance or location with grammatical accuracy. The frequency of its usage, despite its incorrectness, suggests it's a common error, making awareness of correct alternatives crucial for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at some point

This alternative simplifies the phrase to indicate an unspecified time.

at some stage

Similar to "at some point", but often implies a progression or sequence.

at a certain time

More specific than "at some point", suggesting a particular, though undefined, moment.

at any time

Indicates that something could happen at any moment, rather than a specific instance.

in some cases

Focuses on instances or situations where something might occur.

in certain situations

Highlights specific circumstances under which something might happen.

on occasion

Implies that something happens periodically, but not frequently.

at different times

Emphasizes the variability in timing.

in various instances

Highlights multiple occurrences across different situations.

under certain circumstances

Similar to "in certain situations", but emphasizes the conditions.

FAQs

How can I use the idea of "at one or another" in a sentence correctly?

Instead of "at one or another", use phrases like "at some point" or "at various times" to convey a similar meaning with correct grammar.

Is "at one or another" grammatically correct?

No, "at one or another" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It is often confused with similar but correct phrases.

What are some alternatives to "at one or another" that I can use in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "at some point", "at some time", or "at different times" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "at one or another" and "at one time or another"?

"At one or another" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "at one time or another", which means at some unspecified time in the past or future.