at exactly the same time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at exactly the same time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize when two things happened simultaneously. For example, "The sun and moon both rose at exactly the same time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were being shot at exactly the same time.

The Guardian - Film

He went to work at exactly the same time every day.

The New York Times

Two runners are not supposed to finish a race at exactly the same time.

The New Yorker

Diplomatic protocol demands that all the world leaders be served at exactly the same time.

The New Yorker

"I mean, you're telling me you lost them at exactly the same time".

The New York Times

But another drama by a British director screened at exactly the same time: Andrew Haigh's Weekend.

The Guardian - Film

But Mrs. Geus said, "We are not rigidly meeting at exactly the same time each month".

The New York Times

"The acquisition of the subs happened at exactly the same time as it's always planned.

The Guardian

The president disappeared for several weeks at exactly the same time last year.

The Guardian

Holiday promotions kick off at exactly the same time every year!

The New York Times

Scheduling acts at exactly the same time meant difficult decisions abounded for festival-goers.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions that are closely coordinated, consider using "in sync" or "synchronously" as more concise alternatives to "at exactly the same time".

Common error

Avoid using "at exactly the same time" when a simpler phrase like "simultaneously" or "at the same time" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at exactly the same time" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to specify when an action occurs, emphasizing the simultaneity of events. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at exactly the same time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the simultaneity of events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts. For more concise options, consider synonyms such as "simultaneously" or "concurrently". However, when precision is critical, "at exactly the same time" effectively highlights the synchronized nature of occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously

A single word that directly expresses the occurrence of events at the same time, offering a more concise alternative.

synchronously

Similar to "simultaneously" but often used in technical or scientific contexts to describe coordinated actions.

concurrently

Indicates events happening at the same time, often used in more formal or technical contexts.

at the same instant

Emphasizes the precise moment when events coincide, highlighting immediacy.

at one and the same time

An emphatic way to state that events occur together, often used for contrast or surprise.

in sync

Suggests that events are coordinated to occur together, implying alignment or agreement.

at the selfsame time

Emphasizes that events happen at the specific time mentioned, reinforcing a particular moment.

in unison

Implies a coordinated action or movement occurring together, emphasizing unity or harmony.

coincidentally

Highlights that events occur at the same time by chance or without planning.

at once

A shorter way to say that things happen without delay or all together.

FAQs

What does "at exactly the same time" mean?

The phrase "at exactly the same time" means that two or more events occur simultaneously, with emphasis on the precision of their concurrence.

How can I use "at exactly the same time" in a sentence?

You can use "at exactly the same time" to emphasize the simultaneity of events. For example, "The starting gun fired and the runners began the race "at exactly the same time"."

Are there any synonyms for "at exactly the same time"?

Yes, you can use synonyms such as "simultaneously", "concurrently", or "at the same instant".

Is it better to use "at the same time" or "at exactly the same time"?

Using "at exactly the same time" adds emphasis on the simultaneity of the events. If the precision is important, using "at exactly the same time" can be useful. Otherwise, "at the same time" is typically sufficient.