at that point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at that point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an additional idea or action that builds on the previous sentence. For example: "The company was facing a number of financial difficulties and at that point, it was decided to seek help from outside investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At that point.

Independent

"At that point, yes".

The New Yorker

At that point, I'll stop.

The New Yorker

At that point he retired.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And at that point, why?

The New York Times - Sports

At that point Stoke led.

Independent

At that point, the B.S.O.

The New Yorker

"He's at that point now.

The New York Times - Sports

"Every player was committed at that point".

The New York Times

At that point, friends was it.

The New York Times

The game slowed perceptibly at that point.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at that point" to clearly mark a transition or turning point in a narrative or explanation. This helps guide the reader through the sequence of events or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "at that point" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement. Consider alternatives like "at that moment" or "then" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at that point" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase acting as an adverb of time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it modifies a verb or clause to indicate when something occurred or changed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at that point" is a versatile prepositional phrase functioning as an adverb of time, widely employed to mark transitions and temporal relationships in narratives and explanations. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse writing contexts. Its prevalence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and BBC confirms its acceptance and utility in both formal and informal communication. To enhance your writing, remember to use "at that point" to clearly signal shifts in your narrative, but avoid overuse by incorporating alternatives like "at that moment" or "then".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that moment

Emphasizes a specific instant in time, providing a more immediate sense of occurrence compared to "at that point".

at that stage

Highlights a particular phase or level of development in a process or situation, offering a sense of progression.

at that time

Refers to a broader period, less specific than "at that point", indicating a general timeframe.

upon that occasion

Formally references a specific event or instance, adding a layer of formality compared to "at that point".

in that instance

Focuses on a specific occurrence or example, emphasizing a singular event rather than a general juncture.

then

Provides a simpler, more direct way to indicate sequence, lacking the detailed context of "at that point".

thereafter

Indicates what happened after a certain time, suggesting a continuation from a defined moment.

subsequently

Formally expresses the idea of something following in time, maintaining a sense of chronological order.

from then on

Implies a continuous action or state following the specified moment, adding a sense of duration.

following that

Indicates a sequence of events, with a slightly more formal tone than "at that point".

FAQs

How can I effectively use "at that point" in a sentence?

Use "at that point" to signal a change in the narrative, a consequence of previous actions, or a shift in understanding. It works best when the context leading up to it is clear. For instance: "The negotiations stalled; "at that point", both parties realized a compromise was necessary."

What are some alternatives to "at that point" for varied writing?

To avoid repetition, you can substitute "at that point" with phrases like "at that moment", "at that stage", "then", or "subsequently". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "at that point in time" redundant compared to "at that point"?

While "at that point in time" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's often considered redundant because "point" already implies a specific moment in time. Using simply "at that point" is usually more concise and clearer.

How does "at that point" differ from "at this point"?

"At that point" refers to a past moment established in the context, while "at this point" refers to the current moment or a point closer to the present. Using the correct phrase ensures clear temporal referencing.