At times means sometimes, occasionally: the work is repetitive at times. It sounds a bit more formal than sometimes and softens a judgement: not always hard, just hard now and then. It goes at the start or end of the sentence.
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At times, + statement; a situation is difficult / pleasant at times
- The street is quiet in the morning but noisy at times during the evening.
- At times, I found the instructions difficult to follow.
- The work is repetitive at times, although the team is supportive.
What changed
First versionThe recording is difficult to hear at time.
RevisionThe recording is difficult to hear at times.
A final s is easy to miss when you hear the phrase, so it disappears in writing: at time. But sometimes is only at times, plural. At a time is a different phrase: in one go.
At a time means in one go: one at a time. At the time means then, at that moment: I didn't know it at the time. All the time means constantly.
Your turn
You mean 'occasionally', not 'one item per turn': The connection is slow ___.
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at times — The connection is slow sometimes, so it's at times. At a time is about how many in one go.
Describe a place or job that's inconvenient sometimes, but not always, using at times.
The shared kitchen gets crowded at times, especially before the morning classes.
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