at some point in time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at some point in time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an unspecified moment in the past or future when something may happen or has happened. Example: "I believe that at some point in time, we will find a solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

1Held slaves at some point in time.

Britannica

I picture myself, at some point in time, playing golf.

The New York Times - Sports

We'll get him at some point in time".

The New York Times

"At some point in time you will lose a collector.

The New York Times

The catch is that at some point in time I may want to resell my home.

Yale University

H4Lvd Time@ TimeSpc PREP preposition: Throughout, at some point in time.

Harvard University

"Every team needs to catch a break at some point in time.

The New York Times - Sports

"At some point in time, it gets to be not worth it".

The New York Times - Sports

"There will be some thing at some point in time that someone won't like.

The New York Times

"At some point in time, you've just got to stop caring," Beckett said.

The New York Times - Sports

They're going to choke on it at some point in time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at some point in time" when you want to indicate an indefinite time in the future or past, without being specific. It adds a sense of generality.

Common error

While "at some point in time" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "eventually" or "in the future" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at some point in time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurs. It specifies that an event will happen, but the exact timing is not known or is not important. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at some point in time" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that an event will occur without specifying when. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in various contexts, it's advisable to consider synonyms like "eventually" or "in the future" to avoid repetitiveness. When precision is needed, opting for a more specific time frame is recommended. As is the case with any writing tool, the value of this phrase rests on the author's awareness of when to use it and when it may be more beneficial to choose more precise and appropriate options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at some stage

Similar to "at some point", but often used in British English.

at a certain point

Highlights the possibility to isolate a moment.

eventually

Indicates something will happen after a period of time; focuses on the certainty of the event.

sooner or later

Implies the event is inevitable, but the exact timing is uncertain.

in due course

Suggests the event will happen when the time is right or appropriate.

in the future

Broadly refers to a time after the present.

down the line

Refers to a point further along in a process or timeline.

at a later date

Indicates something will happen after the current date, without specifying when.

one day

Expresses a hope or expectation for something to happen in the future.

in time

Suggests something will happen when enough time has passed, often with a positive connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "at some point in time" in a sentence?

You can use "at some point in time" to refer to an unspecified moment in the past or future when something may happen or has happened. For example, "I believe that "eventually" we will find a solution to this problem".

What phrases are similar to "at some point in time"?

Alternatives include "eventually", "sooner or later", or "in the future" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "at some point in time" or "at some point"?

"At some point" is generally more concise and often preferred in modern writing. "At some point in time" adds a slight emphasis on the temporal aspect but can sometimes sound redundant.

Can I use "at some point in time" to refer to a specific date?

No, "at some point in time" is used to indicate an unspecified or indefinite time. If you are referring to a specific date, it's best to use the actual date or a more specific time frame.