at this stage

USAGE SUMMARY

"at this stage" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the current situation or condition with regards to a particular topic of discussion. For example, "At this stage in the negotiations, we are still far apart on several key issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Especially at this stage.

The New York Times

Does franchising make sense at this stage?

The New York Times

Details will only distract at this stage.

Independent

(At this stage, anything is possible).

The New Yorker

Why even bother at this stage?

The New York Times

This is fair enough at this stage.

The Guardian - Opinion

At this stage, a scrap would suffice.

The New Yorker

"No further comment at this stage".

Independent

At this stage, everyone is important.

The New York Times

So why an offer at this stage?

The New York Times

At this stage, no one can know.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at this stage" to clearly indicate the current phase or point in a process, argument, or discussion. It provides a temporal anchor for your audience.

Common error

While "at this stage" is useful, avoid using it repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "currently" or "as it stands" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at this stage" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the timing or current point in a process. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at this stage" is a versatile and grammatically sound adverbial phrase that functions to provide temporal context. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, but it's suitable for a wide range of contexts. When using "at this stage", ensure it accurately reflects the current phase and avoid overuse to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "currently" or "as it stands" to vary your writing. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and BBC underscores its acceptability and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this juncture

Replaces "stage" with "juncture", implying a critical point in time.

at this point in time

More explicit and somewhat more formal than "at this stage".

as things stand

Indicates the current state of affairs, similar to "at this stage".

under the current circumstances

Emphasizes the conditions affecting the situation.

given the current situation

Highlights that something is happening because of the present circumstances.

in the present situation

Focuses on the existing conditions.

as it currently stands

Similar to "as things stand" but slightly more emphatic.

for the time being

Implies a temporary situation, while "at this stage" can refer to a more lasting phase.

now

A more concise alternative, though less specific.

at the moment

Refers to the immediate present, similar but not identical in meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "at this stage" to refer to the current point in a process or situation. For example, "At this stage, we are still gathering data."

What can I say instead of "at this stage"?

You can use alternatives like "at this point", "currently", or "as it stands" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "at this stage" or "in this stage"?

"At this stage" is the correct and more common phrasing. "In this stage" is less idiomatic and less frequently used.

What's the difference between "at this stage" and "at this moment"?

"At this stage" refers to a phase in a process or situation, while "at this moment" refers to a specific point in time. They are similar, but "at this stage" implies a duration or phase, not just an instant.