Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
at time of collection
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "at time of collection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment when something is gathered or obtained, often in contexts like data collection or financial transactions. Example: "The data must be accurate at time of collection to ensure reliable results."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
17 human-written examples
The 2 pregnant groups were similar with respect to selected demographic characteristics and gestational age at time of collection.
In addition, if patients did have a urinary catheter placed in the ED, their measured urinary sodium at time of collection could be inaccurate secondary to residual urine in their Foley bag.
Overall mortality rate: the proportion of mosquitoes found dead immediately (at time of collection) and after 24 h to account for delayed mortality.
Science
The 59 tissue samples taken from finch (from 4 islands) and mockingbird (from 4 islands) specimens represented six major islands overall, three of which were inhabited at time of collection (San Cristobal, Isabela, Floreana) and three of which were not (Espanola, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe: Table 2).
Science
Rather, variation in signal strength may be ascribed to leaf developmental stage at time of collection.
Science
b821 of the 1,784 birds had no age recorded at time of collection.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
43 human-written examples
Women were further matched by menopausal status (pre-menopausal, post-menopausal, peri-menopausal/unknown), phase of menstrual cycle at time of blood collection, and usage of hormone replacement therapy at time of blood collection (yes/no).
Science
There are (at time of data collection) 265 specific W3C standards which have reached "W3C recommendation" status.
Therefore, no written informed consent procedure was introduced at time of data collection.
Science
Demographic, clinical, and genetic characteristics of these individuals at time of sample collection are presented in Table 1.
Science
The patient's demographics, diagnoses and medications at time of sample collection are provided in Table 1.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "at time of collection", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being collected and why the timing is significant.
Common error
Avoid using "at time of collection" without clearly defining the item being collected. Ambiguity can arise if the context doesn't explicitly state what is being referred to.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "at time of collection" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to specify when something was gathered or obtained. It is used to provide temporal context, indicating that certain conditions or characteristics were present during the collection process. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "at time of collection" is a prepositional phrase used to specify the precise moment of gathering data or samples, most commonly encountered in scientific and formal contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correct and usable in written English. While grammatically sound, it's important to ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being collected to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "upon collection" or "when collected", depending on the desired emphasis. The phrase is frequently found in scientific publications.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
when collected
A shorter and more direct way to indicate the timing relative to the collection.
upon collection
Emphasizes the immediacy of an action happening directly when something is collected.
at the point of gathering
Highlights the specific moment when items or data are acquired.
at the moment of sampling
Specifically relates to when a sample is obtained.
during the collection process
Focuses on the overall activity and period in which collecting occurs.
on retrieval
Implies a more formal or structured collection process.
upon extraction
Describes collecting something that has been extracted, or separated from another item.
at the instant of acquisition
Highlights a precise and immediate timeframe for the action.
post-collection
Indicates actions or conditions that occur after the collection is finished.
during harvesting
Related to agriculture and the act of harvesting crops.
FAQs
How can I use "at time of collection" in a sentence?
You can use "at time of collection" to specify conditions or characteristics relevant to when something was gathered. For example, "Patient demographics "at time of collection" are available in Table 1."
What's a good alternative to "at time of collection"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "upon collection", "when collected", or "during the collection process".
Is it necessary to specify "at time of collection"?
Specifying "at time of collection" is useful when the state or characteristics of something might change over time, making the initial collection point a crucial reference.
What details should I include when using "at time of collection"?
Be sure to clearly specify what data or samples were taken and any relevant conditions (e.g. storage, handling) that could affect later analysis. Consider mentioning the "patient location at time of collection", the "leaf developmental stage at time of collection", or other metadata.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested