at specific time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at specific time" is not correct in English; it should be "at a specific time." You can use it when referring to a particular moment or point in time when something occurs.
Example: "Please arrive at a specific time to ensure the meeting starts promptly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

RA evaluates the algorithm at specific time instant.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

The effluent was collected into glass measuring tubes at specific time intervals.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Therefore, we only examine compression at specific time steps in this paper.

Data Science and Engineering

At specific time intervals, samples were drawn from the bulk solution.

Chemistry Central Journal

Pain-related behaviors in rats were observed at specific time points.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

We also recommend exploring which factors increase, and respectively, decrease behavioral problems at specific time points.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Among all participants, geographic clustering of response scores were observed globally and at specific time periods.

Injury Epidemiology

At specific time intervals, the media were taken for analysis of drug concentration.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Values at specific time points were estimated using linear interpolation between consecutive recorded values.

Annals of Intensive Care

The mice were sacrificed at specific time points (0.5, 1, 2 h).

EJNMMI Research

pDNA release was determined by measuring UV absorption at 260 nm at specific time points.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always include the article "a" before "specific time" to ensure grammatical correctness: use "at a specific time".

Common error

Avoid omitting the article "a" before "specific time". The correct phrasing is "at a specific time", not "at specific time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at specific time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying when an action occurs. However, it is grammatically incorrect without the article "a". Ludwig shows many examples of the correct form: "at a specific time".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

96%

News & Media

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at specific time" is frequently used, particularly in scientific literature, but it's grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "at a specific time". As Ludwig confirms, using the article "a" is essential. While common, omitting "a" detracts from the professionalism of your writing. When precise timing is crucial, consider related phrases such as "at a designated time" or "at a certain time" for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a particular time

Adding "a" makes the phrase grammatically correct and more common.

at a precise moment

This alternative emphasizes the exactness of the timing.

at a designated time

This implies that the time has been officially set or appointed.

at a set time

Similar to 'designated', but slightly less formal.

at a given time

This suggests a time that has been previously stated or understood.

at a scheduled time

Suggests the time is part of a plan or timetable.

at a certain time

Indicates a specific but not necessarily predetermined time.

at the appointed hour

This is a more formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

on a specific occasion

Shifts the focus to the event rather than the exact time.

during a defined period

This refers to a duration rather than an instant.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "at a specific time" in a sentence?

Use "at a specific time" when you need to indicate a particular moment. For example, "The experiment will be conducted "at a specific time" tomorrow."

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

Since "at specific time" is grammatically incorrect, you can use alternatives like "at a particular time", "at a certain time", or "at a designated time".

Is it correct to say "at specific time"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "at a specific time". The inclusion of the article "a" is essential for grammatical accuracy.

What is the difference between "at a specific time" and "at a specific moment"?

While both phrases refer to a particular point in time, "at a specific moment" often implies a shorter, more precise duration than ""at a specific time"". The choice depends on the context and the level of precision you want to convey.