to that point

USAGE SUMMARY

"to that point" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a certain point in time or a certain topic in a discussion that has already been mentioned or established. For example: "We had discussed the pros and cons of the new policy, but to that point, we had not made a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Success, to that point.

The New York Times

I'm sensitive to that point.

The Economist

But we're going to that point".

The New York Times

When did you get to that point?

The New York Times

It had come to that point.

Independent

I'm close to that point.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Up to that point, anyway.

The Guardian - Sport

We'll come to that point".

The New York Times - Sports

He's gotten to that point".

The New York Times - Sports

"We're getting to that point".

The New York Times - Sports

I'll come back to that point.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to that point" to clearly reference a specific moment, argument, or stage in a discussion that has already been established. This helps maintain clarity and coherence.

Common error

Avoid using "to that point" when the reference is ambiguous or hasn't been clearly established. Ensure your audience knows exactly what "that point" refers to to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to that point" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a time, state, or condition previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to that point" is a very common prepositional phrase used to refer back to a specific time, idea, or situation already mentioned in a conversation or text. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various domains, including news, academia, and general writing. It's crucial to ensure the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "until then" or "up to that moment" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to establish a clear reference point when employing "to that point" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

until then

Focuses specifically on the time aspect, meaning up to a particular time in the past.

up to that moment

Highlights a specific instant in time that serves as a boundary.

thus far

Implies a progression from the past to the present, referring to what has happened until now.

heretofore

A more formal and archaic way of saying until now or until this point.

previously

Indicates something that happened at an earlier time, before the point being discussed.

before that

A simpler way of saying before a specific event or time.

until this stage

Focuses on a phase or step in a process that has been reached.

so far

Similar to "thus far", but can also imply a continuation into the future.

at that juncture

Emphasizes a critical point or moment in a series of events.

leading up to that

Describes the period or events that preceded a specific point in time or event.

FAQs

How can I use "to that point" in a sentence?

Use "to that point" to refer back to a previously mentioned time, idea, or situation. For example, "We had discussed several options, but "to that point", no decision had been made."

What are some alternatives to using "to that point"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "until then", "up to that moment", or "thus far" as alternatives to "to that point".

Is "to that point" formal or informal?

"To that point" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing or speech.

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

"To that point" often refers to a duration leading up to a specific moment or idea, while "at that point" typically refers to a specific instant in time. Consider the context to determine which phrase is more appropriate.