at specific points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at specific points" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to particular locations or moments in time or space where something occurs or is relevant. Example: "The data was collected at specific points throughout the experiment to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Modern acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into the skin at specific points around the body.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The procedure involves inserting fine needles at specific points around the body and then heating, twisting or even electrifying them.

The Guardian

In the US experiments, scientists first injected freshly-fertilised mouse embryos with enzymes that cut DNA at specific points.

The Guardian

Several organizers are stationed at specific points, taking stock of how far each pigeon has flown and within what time.

The New York Times

One of the long-standing mysteries surrounding acupuncture is why the technique only seems to alleviate pain if needles are inserted at specific points.

The Guardian

There will be a common set, designed by John Conklin, and characters from both works will appear onstage together at specific points.

The New York Times

Half were given 10 sessions of standard Chinese medicine acupuncture in which thin needles were inserted into the body at specific points.

The Guardian

One of the longstanding mysteries surrounding acupuncture is why the technique only seems to alleviate pain if needles are inserted at specific points.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The practitioner will then insert fine needles at specific points to unblock the flow of qi, or energy, in your body.

The New York Times

There is little dispute that people feel better after receiving the treatment, in which thin needles are inserted deeply into the skin at specific points on the body.

The New York Times

We are able to see at specific points where his egomania seizes the wheel and the morality of the devoted father is locked in the trunk.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at specific points" to clearly indicate that something happens or is relevant in particular locations or times, avoiding ambiguity. For example: "The data was collected at specific points during the experiment to ensure accuracy."

Common error

Avoid using "at specific points" without providing enough context about what makes those points specific. Instead of saying "Changes were made at specific points", clarify with "Changes were made at specific points along the supply chain to improve efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at specific points" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the location, time, or condition under which an action occurs or a state exists. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it pinpoints particular instances within a broader context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at specific points" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote particular locations, times, or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s frequently found in scientific and news contexts, serving to add precision and clarity. When using this phrase, ensure you provide enough context to define what makes those points 'specific'. Alternatives include "at particular points" and "at precise locations", but the best choice depends on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at particular points

Replaces 'specific' with 'particular', emphasizing a distinct or individual point.

at precise locations

Substitutes 'points' with 'locations', specifying a physical place with accuracy.

at designated spots

Changes 'specific' to 'designated' and 'points' to 'spots', implying a pre-determined area.

in certain instances

Shifts the focus to occurrences or situations rather than physical points.

at determined junctures

Replaces 'specific points' with 'determined junctures', suggesting a critical moment or location.

at selective sites

Changes 'specific' to 'selective' and 'points' to 'sites', emphasizing a careful choice of locations.

at defined coordinates

Substitutes 'points' with 'coordinates', specifying a precise position in a system.

at exact positions

Replaces 'specific' with 'exact' and 'points' with 'positions', emphasizing accuracy and placement.

in pinpointed areas

Replaces with other words that mean nearly the same but sounds much different.

at strategic moments

Implies that a precise time rather than location is meant.

FAQs

What does "at specific points" mean?

The phrase "at specific points" refers to particular locations, times, or conditions where something occurs or is relevant. It indicates that something is not general or universal, but rather limited to certain defined instances.

How can I use "at specific points" in a sentence?

You can use "at specific points" to clarify when or where something happens. For example: "Measurements were taken at specific points during the experiment." Or: "The algorithm adjusts the settings at specific points in the process."

What can I say instead of "at specific points"?

You can use alternatives like "at particular points", "at precise locations", or "in certain instances" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "at specific points" and "at certain points"?

While both phrases indicate particular instances, "at specific points" implies a more precise or defined condition than "at certain points". "Specific" suggests a deliberate choice or identification, while "certain" can be more general.