at this time

USAGE SUMMARY

'at this time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate a specific moment or period in time. For example: "At this time, I am unsure of what I should do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

None at this time.

The New York Times

Not at this time.

The New Yorker

It's difficult at this time.

The New York Times

At this time of day.

The New Yorker

The more superior player at this time".

The New York Times - Sports

He began writing poetry at this time.

The New York Times

At this time, iron reached the north.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Edward at this time showed little promise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two other events occurred at this time.

The New Yorker

We decline further comment at this time".

The New York Times

"They are not realistic at this time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying information about current availabilities of jobs, services, or products, use "at this time" to inform the recipient of the status. For example: "No positions are open at this time."

Common error

While correct, "at this time" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "now" or "currently" to maintain a natural tone. For example, instead of saying "I'm busy at this time", say "I'm busy now."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at this time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when something occurs. It indicates a particular moment or period, providing temporal context, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

14%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at this time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify a moment or period. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, business, and formal contexts. While effective for providing temporal context, it can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversation. Alternatives like "currently" or "now" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Ludwig's analysis highlights its function in providing specific temporal references, often to convey a present condition or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the moment

This alternative emphasizes the present but can also suggest a temporary situation.

currently

This alternative is more concise and emphasizes the present moment.

as of now

Similar to 'right now', but slightly more formal.

presently

A more formal synonym for "currently".

right now

This phrase provides a sense of immediacy and directness.

for now

Implies a temporary situation, shorter in duration than "for the time being".

for the time being

This suggests a temporary state, implying a change might occur later.

as things stand

This conveys the situation based on how things currently exist.

in the present circumstances

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the current conditions.

at the present stage

This is often used to describe progress or development.

FAQs

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

Use "at this time" to refer to a specific moment, often when giving updates or describing a situation's present state. For example, "We are unable to offer that service "at this time", but please check back later".

What are some alternatives to "at this time"?

You can use alternatives like "currently", "right now", or "at the moment" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at this time" or "currently"?

Both are correct, but "at this time" is slightly more formal. "Currently" might be preferred in less formal contexts.

What is the difference between "at this time" and "for the time being"?

"At this time" refers to the present moment. "For the time being" implies a temporary situation that is expected to change.