approximately the same time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately the same time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing events or actions that occur around the same period, without being exact. Example: "The two projects were completed approximately the same time, leading to a successful launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

2012: Bush hits his final goal and 400 pounds at approximately the same time.

The New York Times

At approximately the same time, a third Veda, the Samaveda, was created for liturgical purposes.

Britannica

2. Go to bed and wake up at approximately the same time every day.

University of California, Berkeley

At approximately the same time A. T. Tvardovsky, chief editor of the journal Novy Mir, also received a copy.

The New Yorker

"Bin Laden was located in the area at approximately the same time," according to "very reliable" intelligence, Captain Nicholson said.

The New York Times

Other labs were making similar advances at approximately the same time, each using its own technology and algorithms.

MIT Technology Review

At approximately the same time, the Illinois Central built an additional freight depot adjacent to the exposition building.

The New York Times - Books

Spruce immigrated to the study area at about 8900 14C yr B.P. Peatland development started at approximately the same time.

Quaternary Research

At approximately the same time, a fundamental shift in the locus of the sacred occurred in the East and West.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The New Yorker, May 18 , 1940 P. 19Mrs. Harris heard the voice and saw the shoes at approximately the same time.

The New Yorker

During approximately the same time frame, Robert Courtney would, by law enforcement estimates, dilute 98,000 prescriptions for 4,200 patients.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "approximately the same time" when precision isn't critical. If the events were exactly simultaneous, choose a more precise term like "simultaneously".

Common error

Avoid using "approximately the same time" when describing events with demonstrably different timelines. Use it only when events are close enough in time to be considered nearly concurrent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately the same time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the temporal context in which an action or event occurs, indicating that it happened near another event without being exactly simultaneous. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "approximately the same time" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe events that occur close together. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as an adverbial phrase indicating simultaneity with some degree of imprecision. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from formal academic writing to informal conversations. Keep in mind the nuance it conveys: indicating that events happened close enough in time to be related, but not necessarily at the exact same moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around the same period

This alternative specifies a duration or span, implying a less precise temporal alignment than the original phrase.

concurrently

This term implies that events happen exactly at the same time.

simultaneously

This alternative emphasizes the exact correspondence in time, suggesting a tighter temporal relationship.

in the same timeframe

This phrase highlights the inclusion of events within a shared temporal boundary, suggesting less precision.

at about the same moment

Focuses on a specific point in time, suggesting a near-instantaneous occurrence.

nearly simultaneously

Indicates events that occur very close in time but not necessarily at the exact instant.

in close succession

Suggests that events follow each other rapidly, but not necessarily at precisely the same moment.

in rapid sequence

Highlights the speed at which events occur, implying that there is not much time between events.

almost at once

This suggests events happening in immediate proximity to each other.

in parallel

This alternative emphasizes that events occurred independently but within a shared temporal context.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "approximately the same time" to indicate greater precision?

For scenarios needing higher accuracy, consider using phrases like "simultaneously" or "concurrently".

What's a less formal way to say "approximately the same time"?

Informally, you might say "about the same time" or "around the same time".

Is it ever wrong to use "approximately the same time"?

It would be inappropriate if the events you are describing happened at very different times. The phrase implies a close temporal relationship, so make sure the events were actually near each other in time.

How does "approximately the same time" differ from "in the same timeframe"?

"Approximately the same time" suggests events occurred very close together, whereas "in the same timeframe" means events occurred within a similar period, which might be longer than a moment.