at one and the same time

USAGE SUMMARY

"at one and the same time" is a correct phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to refer to two or more things happening at the same moment. For example: "I was both excited and scared at one and the same time when I got my dream job offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The manifesto is all about a macho world waging war on "feminism" and "Muslims" at one and the same time.

Huffington Post

The described solution requires only low computational resources on CE devices and offers at one and the same time sufficiently good location rates.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

"At one and the same time both lofty and banal, a bit like God on an off-day".

The Guardian - Books

At one and the same time two worthy difficulties.

The New York Times - Books

Nor is there anything which is qualified in contrary ways at one and the same time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

My own story is unique, and uniquely American, at one and the same time.

University of California, Berkeley

Committed at one and the same time to broader academic excellence and traditional Jewish principle.

The New York Times

In fact, who is both those things at one and the same time.

The Guardian - Books

It was, at one and the same time, childishly simple, easy to understand and funny.

The Guardian

At one and the same time we were father, sons and three professional men.

The New York Times

It is, at one and the same time, psychologically compelling and pulsating with symbolism.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at one and the same time" to emphasize the paradoxical or surprising nature of two things occurring together. It adds a layer of complexity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at one and the same time" in simple sentences where "simultaneously" or "at the same time" would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the simultaneity is noteworthy or creates a specific effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at one and the same time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate that two or more events or states occur simultaneously. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct phrase, and the examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "at one and the same time" is grammatically correct and very commonly used to emphasize the simultaneous occurrence of two or more events or states. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to highlight the concurrent nature of the described elements. The phrase is appropriate for both formal and neutral registers, making it suitable for a wide range of writing contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific sources, indicating its versatility. Alternatives include "simultaneously" and "concurrently", but "at one and the same time" often carries a stronger emphasis on the paradoxical or surprising nature of the simultaneity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously

This single word replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression of happening together.

concurrently

Suggests that events or actions happen together or operate at the same time.

at the same instant

Focuses on the immediacy and exact synchronicity of the events.

at once

A shorter idiom indicating that things happen immediately or together.

in unison

Implies a coordinated simultaneity, often used for actions or sounds.

together

A basic term showing combination and simultaneity of actions or states.

at the very moment

Emphasizes the specific timing of the concurrent events.

by the same token

Indicates a parallel or similarity in the manner of occurrence.

in parallel

Highlights the side-by-side occurrence of events or processes.

at the convergence

Focuses on things coming together at a single point in time.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to indicate that two or more things are happening or are true concurrently. For example, "She felt both happy and sad "at one and the same time"."

What phrases are similar to "at one and the same time"?

Alternatives include "simultaneously", "concurrently", or "at the same time", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "at one and the same time" formal or informal?

The phrase "at one and the same time" is considered relatively formal, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "at the same time" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "at the same time" and "at one and the same time"?

While both phrases denote simultaneity, "at one and the same time" often carries a stronger emphasis on the surprising or paradoxical nature of the concurrent events. "At the same time" is a more general and neutral expression.