either at that time or

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either at that time or" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate two possible time frames or conditions that are being considered simultaneously. Example: "We can meet either at that time or later in the afternoon, depending on your availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Either at that time, or afterward," the guidebook's author continued, "an almost invisible square was clipped off the lower east end of the stone above and that one is sometimes taken for the foundation stone.

The New York Times

Any realistic person would have, either at that time or this, realized that there was not room for three or four Independent States in the cramped territory between the desert and the sea -- there was hardly room for two.

Huffington Post

In addition, the restricted patterns of expression of some of the other genes within the tested regions might result in some genes being rejected as the causal gene because they are not expressed in zebrafish either at that time or location.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

If you notice that certain products would meet the customers' needs, you can try to sell those products to the customer to install either at that time or at a future date.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

According to Dr Dalen, dogs were either domesticated at that time, or the population split into modern wolves and a wild ancestor of modern dogs that later became extinct.

BBC

If the interviewee was of eligible age, the interview was either initiated at that time or scheduled for later.

BMC Health Services Research

Eligible patients were approached following ICU discharge; informed voluntary consent was either obtained at that time or following agreement to be contacted at home after hospital discharge.

Critical Care

I think as time goes by there'll be an appreciation by people who weren't there, who either weren't born at that time or were too young or lived in a different part of the country or lived outside of the country, to realize that The Bottom Line was a very important stage.

HuffPost

Research the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision in this case, and write an article about it, either as if it was written at that time or now.

The New York Times

In the recent past (beginning of the generic's implementation in Brazil), generics accounted for only a small proportion of the medicines market in Brazil [ 30], because people were more likely to buy either the cheapest medicine (usually a similar, at that time) or the originator brand based on the belief that the latter were of better quality than generics or similar medicines.

Globalization and Health

The report also questions Israel's claims to have gone above and beyond the requirements of international law in warning civilians of impending attacks, noting that warnings were either ineffective at the time or that civilians had nowhere to flee to.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either at that time or", ensure that the context clearly defines the 'that time' being referenced. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your writing is easily understood.

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "either at that time or" can make your writing sound clunky. Consider shorter alternatives like "either then or" to improve flow and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either at that time or" functions as a correlative conjunction, linking two alternative possibilities concerning a specific point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase connects options that occur at the specified time or another. It helps to present mutually exclusive scenarios related to timing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "either at that time or" serves as a correlative conjunction that introduces alternative possibilities linked to a specific point in time. As validated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. While considered neutral in tone, it appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles. While it's perfectly acceptable, remember to define "that time" clearly and consider alternatives like "either then or" for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either then or

This alternative uses a more concise word, 'then', in place of 'at that time', maintaining the same meaning.

either at that moment or

This alternative replaces 'time' with 'moment' to emphasize the specific point in time being referred to.

either at that period or

This option uses 'period' instead of 'time' when speaking about specific time period.

either then or later

This uses "then" as replacement of "at that time" and adding a more generic "later".

either at that point or

This alternative substitutes 'point' for 'time', highlighting a specific instant.

either during that time or

This option uses 'during that time' to emphasize that the event occurred inside a specific period.

either at that juncture or

This alternative uses a more formal word 'juncture' to replace 'time'.

either on that occasion or

This alternative substitutes the word occasion for time, focusing on the specific occurrence.

either in those days or

This alternative is used to describe a point in time in the past.

either at the time or

This phrase shortens "at that time" to a simple "at the time"

FAQs

How can I rephrase "either at that time or" for variety?

You can replace "either at that time or" with shorter, similar phrases like "either then or", "either at that moment or", or "either then or later" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "either at that time or"?

The phrase "either at that time or" is grammatically correct, but can sometimes be wordy. Ensure the "that time" is clearly defined in your context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives if a shorter option fits.

What's the difference between "either at that time or" and "either at the time or"?

"Either at that time or" refers to a specific point in the past or future that has been previously mentioned or is implied. "Either at the time or" is less specific. Use "either at that time or" when referring to a particular moment already established in the conversation or writing.

In what contexts is "either at that time or" most appropriate?

The phrase "either at that time or" is appropriate in formal writing or speech where you need to clearly specify that you are referring to a previously mentioned time. In more informal settings, you might prefer something shorter like "either then or".