point in time

USAGE SUMMARY

"point in time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific moment in history or when emphasizing the importance of a particular time. For example, you could say "The decision made at this point in time will have a lasting effect on the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At this point in time" is now.

The Guardian - Books

Just not at this point in time.

The New Yorker

1Held slaves at some point in time.

Britannica

REINARTZ: At that point in time.

The New York Times

observed in the market at a given point in time.

Cornell University

I'm happy to provide that at any point in time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At this point in time, [the island] has nothing else".

The Guardian - Business

I picture myself, at some point in time, playing golf.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't think this is the point in time.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's all we can do at this point in time".

The New York Times

"But Pakistan's options are limited at this point in time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that evolves, use "point in time" to mark the stages of that progression, emphasizing how things changed from one moment to the next.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "at this point in time" as it can often be replaced with the simpler and more direct "now" or "currently" without loss of meaning. Overusing longer phrases can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point in time" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial to specify when an action or event occurred. As seen in Ludwig, it provides temporal context, clarifying the specific moment being referenced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "point in time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that specifies a particular moment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness across diverse contexts. It is commonly found in News & Media and Academic settings, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral communication. While alternatives like ""specific moment"" and "particular juncture" exist, overuse of longer variations like "at this point in time" should be avoided for conciseness. Using "point in time" effectively enhances clarity and precision in your writing by clearly defining when an event occurs or a condition is met.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific moment

Focuses on the brevity and particularity of the instant.

particular juncture

Highlights the importance of the moment as a critical intersection of events.

precise instant

Emphasizes the exactness and immediacy of the time.

given moment

Indicates a specific, identified time.

certain period

Refers to a defined duration, though it may be brief.

historical moment

Highlights the significance of the time within a broader historical context.

critical juncture

Stresses the importance of the moment as a turning point.

defining moment

Indicates a time that significantly shapes future events or understanding.

stage in time

Emphasizes the relative placement of a situation on a timeline

turning point

Highlights the transformative nature of the moment.

FAQs

How can I use "point in time" in a sentence?

Use "point in time" to specify a particular moment when something occurs or is valid. For example, "At that "specific moment", everything changed."

What are some alternatives to "point in time"?

You can use alternatives like ""specific moment"", "particular juncture", or "precise instant" to add variety to your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "point in time" instead of "moment"?

"Point in time" is useful when you want to emphasize the specificity or significance of a particular moment. "Moment" can be more general, while "point in time" suggests a more defined and perhaps critical instance.

What's the difference between "at this point in time" and "now"?

"At this point in time" can often be replaced by "now" without changing the meaning. However, "at this point in time" can add a slightly more formal or emphatic tone. Simpler is better, so use "now" when appropriate.