at that stage

USAGE SUMMARY

'at that stage' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a particular point in time, typically in the past, when a particular situation or process was occurring. For example, "At that stage, we had no idea that the project would be so successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In fact, we're already at that stage".

The Guardian

Ooh! We're not at that stage!' Internal monologue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Manchester City are not quite at that stage yet.

The Guardian - Sport

We're essentially at that stage now, via ubiquitous smartphones.

The Guardian

We're not quite at that stage yet.

BBC

I'm at that stage now".

Independent

"We're at that stage," he said.

The New York Times - Science

I'm not at that stage yet.

The New York Times - Sports

I wasn't writing at that stage.

Independent

I ain't at that stage.

The Guardian - Sport

At that stage, they were.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "at that stage" with other temporal markers (e.g., "initially", "subsequently") to enhance the clarity and flow of your writing, particularly when describing complex processes or developments.

Common error

Avoid using "at that stage" when referring to hypothetical or future events. It is best suited for describing past situations. For future scenarios, use phrases like "at that point" or "if/when that stage is reached".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at that stage" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action or event within a sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly establishes a temporal reference point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at that stage" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a specific point in time or a particular phase in a sequence of events. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It’s versatile, fitting seamlessly into news articles, scientific papers, and everyday conversations. While generally neutral in tone, it’s essential to avoid using it in hypothetical or future scenarios, sticking instead to its established use in past contexts. For alternatives, consider "at that point", "at that moment", or "during that period" to convey similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that phase

Replaces 'stage' with 'phase', keeping the original meaning almost identical.

at that point

Focuses on a specific moment in time, similar to "at that stage" but with a slightly more precise connotation.

at that moment

Highlights the immediacy and specificity of a particular instant.

at that juncture

Suggests a critical or decisive moment, implying a turning point in events.

by then

A concise way to indicate a time before something else happened or will happen.

during that period

Emphasizes a duration of time rather than a single point, suitable when referring to an extended phase.

in those days

Refers to a more distant past, often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or historical context.

given the situation

Similar to "under the circumstances", emphasizing the prevailing conditions.

under the circumstances

Shifts the focus to the conditions or situation existing at the time.

considering the context

Highlights the importance of understanding the surrounding factors and conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "at that stage" in a sentence?

You can use "at that stage" to refer to a specific point in time or phase of a process. For example, "At that stage, we hadn't yet encountered any problems".

What phrases are similar to "at that stage"?

Similar phrases include "at that point", "at that moment", or "during that period", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "at that stage" when talking about future events?

It's generally better to use other phrases like "at that point" or "when that happens" when referring to future events, as "at that stage" is most commonly used in past contexts.

What is the difference between "at that stage" and "at that time"?

While both phrases refer to a specific point in the past, "at that stage" often implies a specific phase in a process, while "at that time" is a more general reference to a moment in the past.