only at that point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only at that point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific moment in time when something occurs or changes. Example: "The project was going smoothly, but only at that point did we realize we needed additional resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Only at that point did I find out the truth.

Independent

Only at that point does Medicare coverage resume.

The New York Times - Health

And it was only at that point that I showed myself in France.

The Guardian - Film

In real life, only at that point was Merrick admitted to the London hospital.

The Guardian - Film

Only at that point was the college able to confirm his appointment.

The Guardian

It is only at that point diplomacy can have any hope of success.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It is only at this point that Coleridge reveals that he is "always cautious".

The Guardian

It was only at this point that the male guards gave up.

The New York Times

It's only at this point that the "real" story begins as we are whisked back to the 1930s.

Independent

"We're only at the point that we're responding to subpoenas," she said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

It was only at this point that the central process of biology the synthesis, one after the other, of DNA, RNA, and protein appeared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only at that point" to clearly signal a turning point or a moment of realization in your narrative. This phrase effectively emphasizes the condition or timing necessary for a subsequent event.

Common error

Avoid using "only at that point" when a simpler temporal marker like "then" or "at that time" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted or overly dramatic. Opt for conciseness when possible.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrases like "only at that point" function to modify the verb in a sentence, specifying when the action occurred. They highlight a specific moment or condition that triggers a subsequent event, indicating a temporal or conditional relationship. Ludwig provides many examples where this structure is used effectively to emphasize specific point in time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only at that point" is a useful adverbial phrase for emphasizing a specific moment or condition that triggers a significant event. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in news and media, although it can also appear in scientific and formal contexts. When writing, be sure to use "only at that point" when you want to stress the exclusivity of a moment or the specific conditions that led to a particular outcome, and avoid overusing it to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives such as "just then" or "not until then" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just then

Emphasizes the immediacy of the moment when something happens.

at that specific time

Highlights the temporal specificity.

at that precise moment

Highlights the exact timing of the event.

only when that happened

Highlights the condition required for an event to unfold.

not until then

Focuses on the delay before the event occurs.

it was then that

Inverts the sentence structure for emphasis.

solely at that juncture

Uses more formal language to indicate the specific time.

at no other time

Highlights that event only happens in one time period.

exclusively at that stage

Emphasizes that something only happens during that particular phase.

subsequently at that instance

A more formal and slightly redundant way of expressing the same idea.

FAQs

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

Use "only at that point" to emphasize a specific condition or moment that triggers a significant event or realization. For instance, "The negotiations seemed stalled, but "only at that point" did both sides recognize the need for compromise".

Are there alternatives to "only at that point" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases like "just then", "at that precise moment", or "not until then" as alternatives. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives as "just then" or "at that precise moment" can keep the same meaning.

Is "only at that point" considered formal or informal language?

"Only at that point" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for news articles, academic writing, and professional communication. Using an alternative like "just then" is suitable for an informal way.

What is the difference between "only at that point" and "at that point"?

"Only at that point" emphasizes that something could not happen sooner or under different circumstances; it specifically highlights the condition that had to be met. "At that point" simply indicates a time without emphasizing that condition. It's important to use "only at that point" when you want to stress the exclusivity of a certain moment.