at the point when

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the point when" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "We paused at the point when the conversation became uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm at the point when I'm thinking about my anthology".

The Guardian - Arts

The change comes at the point when many women have to consider their children.

The New York Times

All this happened to me just at the point when I'd met Pete.

The New Yorker

At the point when Ebola victims die, they are at their most infectious.

The Guardian

It creates trust, confidence and discretionary effort, just at the point when it is needed.

The Guardian

"We were at the point when we were going looking at the shelter," said Ms. Diaz.

The New York Times

Elections are most easily stolen at the point when votes are counted and tallied.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since only a small amount of developable land is released each year by councils, developers compete entirely at the point when they are buying land, rather than at the point when they are selling the homes they build.

The Economist

Saving Mr Banks concludes at the point when it can just about scrape together a happy ending.

The Guardian - Film

Also the best trades often crop up at the point when investors are most nervous and markets are most volatile.

The Economist

I run to be in the present moment – at the point when you're only conscious of each footstep.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the point when" to add emphasis or formality when describing a specific moment in time. It can be particularly useful in formal writing or when highlighting a critical juncture.

Common error

Avoid using "at the point when" in informal conversations or casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "when" or "as soon as" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the point when" functions as a temporal adjunct, modifying a clause by specifying the time at which an event occurs. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts to pinpoint a specific moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the point when" is a grammatically sound and common temporal phrase used to specify a particular moment in time. According to Ludwig, its AI confirms its correct usage in English. It's frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse writing needs. While versatile, remember that in informal settings, simpler alternatives like "when" or "as soon as" might be more appropriate. Consider using "at the point when" when precision or formality is desired, ensuring clarity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when

This is the most concise and direct alternative, omitting the prepositional phrase for simplicity.

at the moment that

This alternative emphasizes the immediacy of the time.

the instant that

This emphasizes the suddenness or immediacy of the action.

as soon as

This alternative indicates that something happens immediately after something else.

at the time that

This option is more formal and emphasizes the duration or period.

upon the occasion that

A formal and less common way of expressing a particular time.

the minute that

Similar to "the instant that", this emphasizes a very short interval.

just as

This highlights the simultaneity of two events.

on the occasion when

This is a more formal and less frequent variation, stressing a specific event.

during the period that

This alternative indicates a specific duration or timeframe.

FAQs

How can I use "at the point when" in a sentence?

Use "at the point when" to specify a precise moment or condition, as in, "The project stalled "at the point when" funding was withdrawn".

What are some alternatives to "at the point when"?

You can use alternatives such as "when", "as soon as", or "at the moment that" to convey a similar meaning with varying degrees of formality.

Is "at the point when" more formal than "when"?

Yes, ""at the point when"" is generally more formal and emphasizes the specific timing of an event, whereas "when" is more neutral and widely applicable.

When is it best to use "at the point when" versus "when"?

Use ""at the point when"" when you want to highlight the exact moment something occurred or when writing in a formal context. Otherwise, "when" is usually sufficient.