but at that point

USAGE SUMMARY

"but at that point" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a moment in time in which an event, situation, or thought changed. For example, "He was struggling to make ends meet, but at that point, he had an unexpected windfall that changed his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But at that point, no way".

The New York Times

But at that point construction wasn't complete.

The New York Times

But at that point, that was everybody.

The Guardian - Business

But at that point, he hardly cared.

The New York Times - Sports

"But at that point negotiations had ended".

The New York Times

But at that point we were satisfied".

The New York Times

But at that point the story had just begun.

The New York Times - Sports

But at that point he stayed with his dental practice.

The New Yorker

"But at that point, I had no choice".

The New York Times - Sports

But at that point the Socialist-Communist alliance fell apart.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But at that point, you're a year in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but at that point" to clearly signal a shift in the narrative, reasoning, or a character's understanding. It helps to create a sense of progression and turning points in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but at that point" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but at that point" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two clauses while indicating a temporal shift or a change in circumstances. It signals a transition from one state or situation to another, often implying a consequence or a turning point. According to Ludwig, this is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but at that point" serves as a conjunctive phrase indicating a specific moment when a shift or change occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity. Alternatives like "however, by then" or "in spite of that, at that moment" can provide variety. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, emphasizing its importance in establishing temporal shifts and narrative progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spite of that, at that moment

Emphasizes the specific moment of realization or change.

however, by then

Emphasizes the contrast introduced by "however" and the temporal aspect of "by then".

yet, at that stage

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "stage" instead of "point" to denote a phase in time.

nonetheless, at that juncture

Uses "juncture" to provide a more formal alternative to "point".

even so, at that time

Focuses on the temporal aspect using "time" instead of "point".

still, at that instance

Replaces "point" with "instance" to highlight a specific occurrence.

nevertheless, at that phase

Substitutes "point" with "phase" indicating a period or stage.

all the same, at that period

Replaces "point" with "period" to emphasize duration.

be that as it may, at that position

Uses "position" as a less common substitute for "point", implying a state or condition.

despite that, at that situation

Focuses on the state of affairs with the word "situation".

FAQs

How can I use "but at that point" in a sentence?

Use "but at that point" to introduce a change in circumstances or a shift in perspective. For example, "He was hesitant, but at that point, he had no other choice".

What are some alternatives to "but at that point"?

You can use alternatives like "however, by then", "yet, at that stage", or "in spite of that, at that moment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "but at that point" formal or informal?

"But at that point" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits appropriately.

What's the difference between "but at that point" and "but then"?

"But at that point" specifies a particular moment when something changed, while "but then" introduces a contrast or unexpected development. "But at that point" is more precise in its temporal reference.