by this point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by this point' is correct and usable in written English.
It means at this stage or by now. For example, "By this point, I had already finished my homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm hangry by this point.

The New York Times

Nerves were raw by this point.

The Washington Post

But by this point, who cares?

The New York Times

A few heads nod by this point.

The New York Times

By this point we were engaged.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're in a taxi by this point.

The Guardian - Music

By this point, I know it'll work.

The Washington Post

The credits are finished by this point.

The Washington Post

By this point, should this surprise us?

The Guardian - Opinion

By this point, a vaccine is useless.

The New York Times - Magazine

Alesha had run up by this point.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by this point" to clearly mark a transition or consequence within a narrative or explanation, ensuring the reader understands the progression of events or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "by this point" interchangeably with phrases like "at this point" if the emphasis is on a cumulative effect or a result of preceding events. "By this point" implies a consequence or culmination, while "at this point" simply marks a location in time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by this point" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time or stage at which an action or state has been reached. It signifies a temporal boundary, often implying a result or consequence of previous events, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by this point" serves as a crucial element in establishing temporal context and indicating the progression of events or states. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its versatility allows it to function effectively in numerous contexts, from news reporting to academic writing, though it appears most commonly in news and media. While similar phrases such as "at this stage" or "as of now" may be used, "by this point" specifically emphasizes the consequences or cumulative effects leading to a particular moment. Remembering this distinction will aid in precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this stage

Highlights a particular phase in a process; slightly more generic.

at this juncture

Emphasizes a critical or decisive moment in time; more formal.

at this moment

Emphasizes the immediacy and specificity of the current time.

as of now

Focuses on the present moment and the immediate consequences.

so far

Indicates progress or development up to the present time.

up to now

Indicates a cumulative effect of events leading to the present.

thus far

Similar to 'up to now' but slightly more formal and literary.

to date

Highlights current status based on past events; often used in formal contexts.

until then

Refers to a future time based on a previous condition.

by then

Refers to a time in the past or future relative to another event.

FAQs

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

You can use "by this point" to indicate what has happened or what is true at a particular stage in a process or narrative. For example, "By this point, we had already walked five miles."

What's the difference between "at this point" and "by this point"?

"At this point" simply denotes a specific moment in time, while "by this point" implies that something has been achieved or has become true as a result of previous actions or events.

What are some alternatives to "by this point"?

Alternatives include "at this stage", "as of now", or "up to now", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "by this point" formal or informal?

"By this point" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing. Consider /s/"at+this+juncture" or /s/"thus+far" for even more formal alternatives, depending on context.