at various points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at various points" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something happened or will happen at multiple or different places or times. Example: "During their journey, the hikers stopped at various points to rest and take in the beautiful scenery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At various points, I got confused.

The New York Times - Books

She groans in pain at various points.

The Guardian

At various points, people are crying.

The Guardian - Film

Bob heard things at various points.

The Guardian - Music

At various points, manically, everything was happening at once.

The New York Times - Arts

The generalized crisis of criticism becomes, at various points, personal.

The New Yorker

Shamanist figures joined the festivities at various points.

The New York Times - Arts

At various points that idealism has been severely tested.

The New Yorker

Both Irsay and Manning broke down at various points.

The New Yorker

I've interviewed Wiggins at various points in his career.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet many were moved to tears at various points.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at various points" to indicate that something occurs or is true at multiple distinct times, locations, or stages within a larger process or narrative. It adds specificity without requiring an exhaustive list.

Common error

While versatile, "at various points" can sometimes sound vague in formal contexts. Consider replacing it with more precise language, such as "at specific milestones" or "in key areas", to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at various points" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify when or where something occurs. Ludwig examples show it describes instances distributed across time or space.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at various points" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase that signifies occurrences at multiple times or locations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Arts, and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While "at various points" is broadly applicable, consider using more precise alternatives like "at several junctures" or "at different stages" for enhanced clarity in formal writing. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at several junctures

Replaces "points" with "junctures", implying critical moments or stages rather than general instances.

at different stages

Focuses on progression through time or development, suitable when referring to phases or steps.

in several instances

Emphasizes specific occurrences or cases, often used when citing examples or evidence.

on multiple occasions

Highlights the repeated nature of an event or action, indicating frequency.

at numerous locations

Specifically refers to different places, ideal when describing geographical distribution or coverage.

at selective moments

Suggests instances chosen based on importance. It can be used when something occurs only in the most crucial or appropriate cases.

during diverse periods

Focuses on different time spans, emphasizing changes over extended durations.

at irregular intervals

Emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the instances, suggesting they do not follow a set pattern.

throughout specific phases

Focuses on the time aspect and refers to the various stages of something.

in varying circumstances

Emphasizes the diversity of conditions, highlighting the adaptability or context-dependence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "at various points" in a sentence?

You can use "at various points" to indicate that something happens or exists in multiple locations or times within a specific context. For example: "The trail offers scenic overlooks at various points".

What can I say instead of "at various points"?

You can use alternatives like "at several junctures", "at different stages", or "in several instances", depending on the context.

Is "at various point" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "at various points", as "points" should be plural to match the plural adjective "various".

What's the difference between "at various points" and "at different points"?

While similar, "at various points" implies a selection from many possibilities, whereas "at different points" simply emphasizes the distinction between multiple locations or times. The phrases are often interchangeable, but the subtle nuance can affect the flow of your writing.