reached a point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reached a point" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that a certain stage or level has been attained in a process or situation. Example: "After months of negotiation, we finally reached a point where both parties were satisfied." Alternative expressions include "arrived at a stage" and "hit a milestone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have reached a point of decision.

The Guardian

We have not reached a point of no return.

The New York Times

We've reached a point in society where everybody sues everybody".

The New Yorker

"We've reached a point where progress is critical.

The New York Times

Kathleen Parker: Have we reached a point of no return?

The Washington Post

We reached a point where we had to separate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We had reached a point of genuine change.

The New York Times

The profession has reached a point where adapting isn't enough.

The Washington Post

It reached a point where it was unhealthy.

The Guardian

I reached a point where I couldn't leave the house.

The Guardian

"We reached a point where it could not go on".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure that the 'point' being reached represents a significant shift in the narrative or data trend.

Common error

Do not use "reached a point" as a wordy substitute for simple verbs like "became" or "was". For example, instead of saying "The weather reached a point where it was cold", simply say "The weather became cold" unless you are specifically discussing a climate threshold.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached a point" serves as a complex verb construction that indicates the attainment of a qualitative or quantitative state. According to Ludwig, it often functions as a transition marker in narrative and analytical writing, setting the stage for a following clause that describes a new reality or a necessary action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "reached a point" is an essential idiomatic phrase used to denote a significant moment of transition. Whether applied to social issues, personal relationships or scientific progress, the phrase effectively signals that a situation has evolved to a level requiring new attention. Ludwig's data demonstrates that it is a favorite among journalists and scholars for its ability to concisely describe the culmination of events. While it is almost always grammatically correct in these contexts, writers should be mindful to use it when a genuine threshold has been crossed, ensuring the phrase maintains its narrative weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrived at a stage

Emphasizes the temporal progression of a process rather than a specific moment.

crossed a threshold

Suggests a point of no return or a move into a new state of being.

hit a milestone

Used specifically for positive or significant achievements in a sequence.

attained a level

Focuses on the quality or height reached within a hierarchy or skill set.

come to a head

Implies that a situation has reached a critical or crisis-driven climax.

hit a plateau

Indicates that progress has leveled off after a period of growth.

reached a crossroads

Suggests a point where a vital decision between different paths must be made.

attained a state

Often used for internal, psychological or physical conditions.

got to a place

A more informal or metaphorical way of describing personal or professional progress.

culminated in

Focuses on the final result or peak of a series of events.

FAQs

How do I use "reached a point" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a specific stage in a process, such as: "The negotiations have "reached a point" where both sides are willing to compromise."

What is a formal synonym for "reached a point"?

A more formal alternative depending on context is "attained a stage" or "arrived at a juncture".

What is the difference between "reached a point" and "reached a stage"?

While similar, "reached a point" often implies a specific moment of change or decision, whereas "reached a stage" suggests a broader period within a multi-step process.

Is it "reached a point where" or "reached a point when"?

Both are used, but "reached a point where" is significantly more common in modern English to describe a state of affairs, while "when" is used if the focus is strictly on the time.