by that point

USAGE SUMMARY

'by that point' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an action that has already occurred by a certain time in the past. For example, "By that point, I had already finished typing up the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By that point, Brittany was already dead.

Independent

By that point I was already hooked.

The New York Times - Arts

By that point, foreclosure is often inevitable.

The New York Times

Romney had left Bain by that point.

The New York Times

Still, by that point opposition had crescendoed.

The New Yorker

Because seriously, by that point?

The Guardian - Film

Frieda was dead by that point.

The New York Times - Books

Tenants have often left by that point.

The New York Times

By that point, Bunch was crying.

The Washington Post

(By that point, Specter had switched parties).

The New Yorker

By that point Plimpton doesn't need reminding.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by that point" to clearly indicate a sequence of events where an action or condition has been completed or reached before a specific time in the past.

Common error

Avoid using "by that point" when referring to future events. It is best used to describe something that has already occurred in relation to a specific past moment. Instead, opt for phrases like "by then" or "at that time" when discussing the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by that point" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating a specific moment in the past when an action or state was already completed or in effect. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used in written English. As Ludwig examples show, it is used to establish a temporal relationship between events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by that point" is a common adverbial phrase used to indicate a specific time in the past when an action or condition was already completed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for written English. It appears frequently in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts, denoting a neutral register. When writing, use "by that point" to clearly sequence events and avoid confusing it with future tense references. While alternatives such as "at that time" or "by then" exist, "by that point" often implies a more specific, previously mentioned context. The phrase is best suited for establishing temporal relationships in narratives and explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by then

A shorter, more concise alternative that still indicates a specific time in the past.

at that juncture

Replaces "point" with "juncture", implying a critical or decisive moment.

at that stage

Substitutes "point" with "stage", suggesting a phase or step in a process.

up to that moment

Emphasizes the accumulation of events leading to a specific time.

at that time

A more general substitute, indicating a specific moment without implying a progression.

prior to that

A more formal alternative indicating precedence in time.

until that instant

Replaces "point" with "instant", highlighting a brief moment in time.

before that time

Shifts the focus to the period preceding the mentioned point.

in retrospect

Highlights the view from a later time, looking back at the mentioned point.

looking back

Highlights the action of remembering or thinking about the past

FAQs

How can I use "by that point" in a sentence?

The phrase "by that point" indicates that something had already happened before a specific time in the past. For example, "The meeting was scheduled for 3 PM, but "by that point", I had already left the office".

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

Both "by that point" and "by then" refer to a time in the past when something has already occurred. However, "by that point" often implies a more specific reference to a previously mentioned event or situation, while "by then" is more general.

Is it correct to use "by that point" when talking about the future?

No, "by that point" is generally used to refer to a time in the past. To refer to a future time, use phrases like ""by then"" or "at that time".

What are some alternatives to using "by that point" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "at that stage", "at that time", or "prior to that" to convey a similar meaning.