at some spots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at some spots" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate specific locations or areas within a larger context where something occurs or is observed. Example: "The paint is chipped at some spots on the wall, indicating wear and tear over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's continuity that's the concern, given the youth and iffy track records at some spots.

The New York Times

Hourly rates range from $1.25 in the neighborhoods to $4.25 at some spots downtown.

The New York Times

At some spots, the chicken will simply be incorporated into existing multicourse menus.

The New York Times - Food

At some spots, the peaks of the spreading ripples will coincide, creating higher peaks.

MIT Technology Review

At some spots, friends and family members would hook up with them.

The New York Times

At some spots, steak knives look like machetes and the beef is said to come from Ralph Lauren's nearby ranch.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Trying to get at some spot of live regret right under the ribs.

The New Yorker

(One night, at some spot, the fabled elder drummer Zutty Singleton asked to examine an old pocketwatch I had just consulted; cradling it in his hands for a minute or two, he announced, "This will run till next Neveruary").

The New Yorker

Although in general the degree of crystallinity is low, in the material synthesized at 600 °C some spots with a certain degree of crystallinity can be found.

Carbon

All Americans have a responsibility to ensure that at least some spots like this remain unspoiled and can be experienced by future generations.

The New York Times

In recent years, there has been a shortage of lifeguards in New York City, and at times, some spots of beachfront have had to close because there were no guards for them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at some spots", ensure the context clearly indicates what defines a 'spot'. Be specific about the characteristics or features that make these spots relevant to your discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "at some spots" without providing enough context. Readers need to understand what constitutes a 'spot' in your description. For example, specify whether you're referring to physical locations, points in time, or abstract areas of interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at some spots" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the location where an action or condition is present, indicating that it is not universally true but limited to certain locations. Ludwig AI confirms its valid use in English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at some spots" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to indicate that something occurs in certain locations, but not everywhere. Ludwig confirms that is a correct expression. While not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing, indicating its versatility. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to provide context that defines what constitutes a "spot" in your specific usage. When a more formal register is called for, alternatives like "in certain locations" or "at specific points" may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in certain locations

Replaces 'at some spots' with a more formal tone.

in particular areas

Emphasizes specific, designated areas instead of general spots.

at specific points

Focuses on precise points rather than broader areas.

in select places

Highlights the chosen or preferred locations.

in localized areas

Suggests areas that are confined or restricted in size.

at various sites

Implies multiple, different sites rather than connected spots.

in designated zones

Indicates officially marked or assigned areas.

in limited regions

Refers to regions that are small or restricted.

at scattered locations

Suggests locations that are distributed randomly or infrequently.

in a few instances

Changes the focus to occurrences rather than physical locations.

FAQs

How can I use "at some spots" in a sentence?

The phrase "at some spots" is used to indicate that something is true or happens in certain, but not all, locations. For example, "The paint is chipped at some spots on the wall."

What are some alternatives to "at some spots"?

You can use alternatives like "in certain locations", "at specific points", or "in select places" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at some spots" or "in some spots"?

Both "at some spots" and "in some spots" are grammatically correct, but "at some spots" is generally preferred when referring to a specific location or point. "In some spots" is more common when referring to an area or region.

How does the meaning of "at some spots" differ from "at every spot"?

"At some spots" implies that something occurs only in a few locations, while "at every spot" suggests it happens everywhere. The choice depends on whether you want to convey partial or universal occurrence.