at one stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at one stage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific point in time during a process or development. Example: "At one stage, we considered expanding our business to international markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Two races on the course at one stage.

The Guardian - Sport

I think at one stage we had 50 on bail.

The Guardian

It was really serious at one stage.

The Guardian - Sport

At one stage he was an artist".

The Guardian - Arts

Weren't you a teacher at one stage?

The Guardian

I felt a bit mutinous at one stage.

The Guardian - Sport

"We thought at one stage he might be OK.

The Guardian - Sport

At one stage, oil prices fell below $30 a barrel.

The Guardian - Business

Even Terry Hall nearly cracked a grin at one stage.

The Guardian - Music

At one stage, he joked about choking up.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Knife and art," Patti Smith informs us at one stage.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at one stage", ensure the context makes it clear what process or sequence you're referring to, providing clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "at one stage" without providing enough context about the overall timeline or process. Readers may not understand which specific point in time you are referencing, leading to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at one stage" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurred or was true. As indicated by Ludwig, it specifies a particular point in time during a sequence of events or a process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at one stage" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify a particular point in time during a sequence of events or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, sport, and business. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for general communication, clarity is essential to ensure your audience understands the temporal reference. Consider alternatives such as "at a certain point" or "formerly" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, as these can offer a more formal or precise meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a certain point

Emphasizes a specific moment during an event or process.

at some point

More general, indicating an unspecified time in the past or future.

in a previous phase

Highlights a specific phase within a larger process or project.

at one time

Similar meaning, but can also imply a longer duration.

at a prior time

More formal way of saying "at some point in the past".

in the past

Focuses specifically on a time that has already occurred.

once

Shorter and more concise way to express a past state.

formerly

Indicates a previous state or condition that is no longer true.

earlier

Indicates a time before the present moment or another specified time.

in the beginning

Specifically refers to the initial phase of something.

FAQs

How can I use "at one stage" in a sentence?

You can use "at one stage" to indicate a particular point in time during a process or development. For example: "At one stage, we considered expanding our business to international markets."

What's a formal alternative to "at one stage"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using "at a certain point" or "formerly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "at one stage" to indicate a past condition?

You can use phrases like "in the past", "at one time", or "once" to refer to a past condition or state.

How does "at one stage" differ from "at one point"?

While both phrases can be used to indicate a specific time, "at one stage" often implies a phase within a process, while "at one point" can refer to a more isolated moment.