already at that time

USAGE SUMMARY

"already at that time" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to show that something was already happening or true during a specific time in the past. For example: - "Even the ancient civilizations had already at that time developed advanced techniques in agriculture and engineering." - "I couldn't believe it when I found out she was already at that time a famous actress." - "The company was already at that time known for its innovative products and services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"She was bench-pressing dump trucks already at that time".

The New York Times - Sports

The planning sketch shows that already at that time the remaining arches were limited to the right bank, a finding confirmed by the drawing of Fernando Rodríguez from 1797 and engravings in Alexandre de Labordes' Voyage pittoresque de l'Espagne a few years later.

Wikipedia

I have been advised that it would be legally possible for the People's Republic of China to resume, without being formally readmitted, the seat of China if it so wishes, since the notice of withdrawal given in 1951 by the Government of the "Republic of China Taiwanan) emanated from a Government whose right to represent the State of China had already at that time been formally contested.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Already, at that time, I was, like: 'I don't think so.' I would have thrown them back in her face!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was made public at that time and of course I already at that time explained the major, huge issues we were foreseeing inside HSBC," he added.

BBC

The term strategy was introduced in business in the early 1970s because already at that time, people found out that the concept of planning didn't really work.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

DR. STAHMER: Was Regiment 537 already there at that time?

Yale University

Wales were already ahead at that time, courtesy of Bale's predatory instincts.

The Guardian - Sport

He was already famous at that time as a leading builder and "most subtle artisan" of Sens, Fr.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, a closer reading of the 1951 report reveals that some of the supposed disagreements were already anticipated at that time.

Procedia Manufacturing

The estimated nephilid ancestral age (40 60 Ma) rejects a Gondwanan origin of the family as most of the southern continents were already split at that time.

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "already at that time" to clearly indicate that a situation or condition was in effect during a specific period in the past. This helps establish a timeline and context for your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "already at that time" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language by using synonyms like "even then", "back then", or "by that time" to improve readability and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already at that time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when something was true or in effect. As Ludwig shows, it adds temporal context to a statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "already at that time" functions as an adverbial phrase providing temporal context to a statement, often with neutral to formal register and to establish a clear timeline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, and it is more common in Science and News & Media. While not exceedingly frequent, the usage is consistent. For variety, consider alternatives like "even then" or "by that time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that point in time

This alternative emphasizes a specific moment within the past.

by that time

Highlights that something had occurred before or up to a certain time.

already by that stage

Similar to 'by that time', but emphasizes a phase or stage.

even then

This phrase highlights a condition existing despite other circumstances.

at that stage

Suggests that something was true at a particular phase of development or progress.

previously at that point

Focuses on the prior existence of something at a specific moment.

at that juncture

Similar to 'at that point', but with a slightly more formal tone.

even at that early stage

Emphasizes how early in the process something was already happening.

back then

A simpler way to refer to a time in the past.

as early as then

Highlights the earliness of a situation or development.

FAQs

How can I use "already at that time" in a sentence?

Use "already at that time" to specify that a particular situation or condition existed at a certain point in the past. For example, "The technology was "already at that time" quite advanced".

What phrases are similar to "already at that time"?

You can use alternatives like "even then", "back then", or "by that time" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "already at that time"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "already at that time" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using a simpler alternative like "even then" or rephrasing the sentence to avoid redundancy.

What is the difference between "already at that time" and "at that point"?

"Already at that time" implies that something was in effect or existence during a specified period, while "at that point" simply indicates a specific moment in the past. Using "already" emphasizes the duration or continuity of the state.