at set times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at set times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific, predetermined times when something occurs or is scheduled. Example: "The train departs at set times throughout the day, ensuring convenience for all passengers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Children, she insisted, should always eat at set times.

The New York Times

Visitors enter in groups of 10 at set times.

The New York Times - Travel

Half the container fleet runs like a bus network with regular sailings at set times.

The Economist

Guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday at set times (tickets, $5).

The New York Times - Travel

Often, team social events happen at set times of the year, such as Christmas.

The Guardian

The electorate can be excluded only at set times and for clear, publicly stated reasons.

The Guardian

DVRs use a hard disk to store video, much like a conventional video recorder, by recording shows at set times.

The Economist

You stay exactly in the same place, and you light a fire at set times, and that's it.

The New Yorker

Worry at set times in the day There is something called "designated worry time" which I love.

The Guardian

The brewery welcomes visitors and provides free samples of its products at the conclusion of tours, which are not at set times but can be arranged in advance.

The New York Times

Procedures have been devised to stimulate the sphincters electrically, when their nerve supply is damaged; or to stimulate the bladder to empty itself at set times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at set times" to clearly indicate that an event or action occurs according to a pre-determined schedule. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in instructions or descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "at set times" when you mean "on time". "At set times" refers to a recurring schedule, while "on time" indicates punctuality for a single event. For example, say 'The meeting starts on time' not 'The meeting starts at set times'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at set times" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action or event occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase adheres to standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at set times" functions as an adverbial phrase that clarifies when something occurs based on a predetermined schedule. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication.

Alternatives include "at scheduled times" and "at designated times", which offer similar meanings. A key usage tip is to ensure it's used to indicate recurring scheduled events and not confused with being "on time". With its widespread usage and clear meaning, "at set times" remains a valuable phrase for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at scheduled times

Replaces 'set' with 'scheduled', emphasizing the planning aspect.

at designated times

Uses 'designated' instead of 'set', highlighting the assignment or appointment of specific times.

at predetermined times

Substitutes 'set' with 'predetermined', stressing that the times were decided in advance.

at fixed intervals

Shifts the focus to the consistent spacing of the times, rather than their precise setting.

on a schedule

Offers a more general way of saying something happens according to a timetable.

according to a timetable

Similar to 'on a schedule', but more explicit about the existence of a timetable.

by appointment

Implies a more formal or individual arrangement for timing.

at regular intervals

Focuses on the consistent frequency rather than the exact times.

on a routine basis

Highlights the habitual nature of the timing.

at specific hours

Replaces the general term "times" with "hours" which make the phrase more specific and highlights concrete hours.

FAQs

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

The phrase "at set times" indicates that something occurs according to a pre-arranged schedule. For example, "Medications should be taken "at set times" each day to maintain consistent blood levels."

What are some alternatives to saying "at set times"?

You can use alternatives like "at scheduled times", "at designated times", or "at predetermined times" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "at set times" or "at specific times"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""at set times"" implies a more regular or established schedule, while "at specific times" might refer to particular, one-off instances.

What's the difference between "at set times" and "at regular intervals"?

"At set times" emphasizes that the times are pre-arranged. "At regular intervals" focuses on the consistent spacing of the times, whether or not they are specifically scheduled.