at that precise time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at that precise time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific moment in the past or future when something occurred or will occur. Example: "At that precise time, the sun was setting, casting a beautiful glow over the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's about what's best for the team at that precise time".

Independent

He argues that war was not necessarily inevitable - at least not at that precise time - but that it was brought about by a combination of factors, among them Hitler's refusal to believe that England and France would honor their commitment to come to Poland's defense and the utter exhaustion of the leaders of all parties.

The Washington Post

Set in a fictional London polling station, The Vote dramatises the final 90 minutes before the polls close in this year's election and will be broadcast live on More4 from the Donmar stage at that precise time, between 8.30pm and 10pm, on 7 May.

The Guardian

At that precise time a cowbell is rung, or a gong is hit, and all workers gather for a brief stand-up meeting that lasts for between five and 10 minutes.

BBC

For example, Colonel Frémont's personnel were occupied at that precise time in capturing Santa Barbara.

Wikipedia

Uh..that is…the feeling that you can help, that it was important in a small way that I was there at that precise time and had time to talk with him or her.

BMC Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Jeremy Irons was in fact appearing at the Royal Shakespeare Co. in Stratford at the precise time that Mr. Russell Beale was launching his career and here is Mr. Irons, who went on to win an Oscar and international renown, back at the R.S.C.

The New York Times - Arts

No one forced Judi Dench to star in Gregory Doran's RSC production of Merry Wives - the Musical in Stratford over Christmas at the precise time that a cannier operator might have left herself free to campaign for a second Oscar, this time for Notes on a Scandal.

The Guardian

The threat to essentially bring down the government over the legal woes of a single man was seen as particularly grave and downright irresponsible given it came at the precise time that Letta was in New York promoting recession-mired Italy as a safe place for foreign investment.

The Guardian

"We're combining the best of high tech and 'high touch' to make our agents more efficient, while giving our customers exactly what they need at the precise time that they need it," he said.

Forbes

It was necessary for him to determine the zenith distances with respect to the plumb line for a set of stars at the precise time that each passed due south.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at that precise time" to underscore the importance of timing in a narrative, highlighting the synchronicity or consequence of events happening simultaneously.

Common error

Avoid using "at that precise time" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "then" or "at that moment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at that precise time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action occurred with a high degree of accuracy. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to pinpoint a moment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at that precise time" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to specify the exact moment an event occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and notes its use in emphasizing timing. While the phrase is more common in news and media, it maintains a neutral register and can be used in various contexts where precise timing is important. Consider simpler alternatives in informal contexts to avoid sounding overly formal. With an expert rating of 4.3, it's clear that using "at that precise time" can effectively communicate the significance of a particular moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that exact moment

Emphasizes the immediacy and pinpoint accuracy of the timing.

at that specific instant

Highlights a particular point in time with notable precision and brevity.

at that very second

Underscores the conciseness of the timing, leaving little room for delay.

on that particular occasion

Shifts the focus towards the event occurring at the given moment, rather than pure timing.

at that critical juncture

Signifies the importance of the moment to a course of events.

precisely then

A more concise way of indicating the same degree of temporal exactitude.

at that opportune moment

Emphasizes the favorable nature of the timing.

at that designated time

Indicates a pre-arranged or scheduled point in time.

at the appointed hour

Implies a formal or significant scheduled time.

when the time was ripe

Focuses on the conditions being right at a certain point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "at that precise time" in a sentence?

Use "at that precise time" to refer to a specific moment when something happened, emphasizing accuracy. For example, "The earthquake struck "at that precise time", causing widespread damage".

What phrases are similar to "at that precise time"?

Similar phrases include "at that exact moment", "at that specific time", or "at the very moment". These alternatives convey a similar sense of accuracy and timing.

Is it better to say "at that precise time" or "at that time"?

"At that precise time" emphasizes the exactness of the moment, while "at that time" is more general. Use "at that precise time" when the specific timing is crucial to the context.

Can I use "at that precise time" to describe future events?

Yes, you can use "at that precise time" to describe a specific moment in the future. For example, "The rocket is scheduled to launch "at that precise time" tomorrow morning".