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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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At one point or another

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"at one point or another" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use it to refer to a state that is likely to occur in most situations, such as: "Everyone faces difficulties at one point or another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We all, at one point or another, have been on some Nigerian scammer's email list.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Everyone at one point or another, needs someone or something to lean on.

News & Media

Huffington Post

At one point or another, you have likely been approached for money on the street.

News & Media

Huffington Post

But all were champions at one point or another.

They've all lost money at one point or another.

Almost everyone is infected at one point or another.

"Something had to happen at one point or another".

We've all heard the mantras at one point or another.

News & Media

Forbes

We've all felt the effects at one point or another.

News & Media

Forbes

You've worked with them all at one point or another.

News & Media

Huffington Post

We've all done it at one point or another.

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "at one point or another" to convey that an experience or situation is common or likely to occur for many people or things over time. For example, "Most people experience setbacks in their careers at one point or another."

⚠ Common error

While "at one point or another" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "eventually", "sooner or later", or "at some time" to maintain reader engagement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at one point or another" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the timing of an event or action, suggesting that it happens at some unspecified time. Ludwig shows that it is often used to describe common experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

⚠ Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at one point or another" is a common and versatile phrase used to indicate that something is likely to happen at some time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to express a common or eventual occurrence. It's frequently found in news and media, demonstrating its widespread use in general writing and conversation. While effective, avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "eventually" or "sooner or later" to maintain writing variety. Remember that it suggests that an experience or situation is typical or likely to happen to many people over time. Ludwig's examples support this, showcasing its use in various contexts to convey relatable and general experiences.

FAQs

What does "at one point or another" mean?

The phrase "at one point or another" signifies that something is likely to happen or be experienced at some time in the future, though the specific timing is uncertain. It suggests a common or eventual occurrence.

How can I use "at one point or another" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe something that is likely to happen to many people. For example, "Everyone faces challenges "sooner or later"", or "Most people will need help "eventually"".

What are some alternatives to "at one point or another"?

Some alternatives include "eventually", "sooner or later", "at some time", or "at a certain stage" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "at one point or another" or "eventually"?

"Eventually" is generally considered slightly more formal than "at one point or another", though both are acceptable in most contexts. The best choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: