at that time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at that time" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
Example sentence: At that time, I was still in high school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not at that time!

The Economist

At that time Capt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It sucked at that time".

Independent

Gitte adds: "At that time.

The Guardian - Sport

Dark hair, at that time.

The New Yorker

At that time the Dept.

The New Yorker

"Things were so mental at that time.

Independent

Please call back at that time".

The New York Times

"At that time we had no freedom.

The New York Times

At that time I had done plays.

The New York Times

At that time of year there is.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at that time" to clearly situate an event or state within a specific chronological context, ensuring your reader understands the temporal relationship between different elements of your narrative or explanation.

Common error

Ensure that "that time" is clearly defined or easily understood by the reader. If the reference point is unclear, provide additional context or rephrase to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "at that time" functions as a temporal adverbial, specifying when an action or state occurred. Ludwig AI's examples show it setting context within narratives, establishing a timeframe for events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at that time" is a versatile adverbial phrase primarily utilized to provide temporal context and establish chronological relationships within narratives and explanations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, appearing most frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Its neutral register allows for use across various settings, although it is important to ensure the referenced "time" is clear to the audience. By avoiding ambiguity and employing it strategically, writers can effectively enhance the clarity and flow of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At that moment

Focuses on a precise, singular point in the past, implying immediacy more than a longer "time".

During that period

Emphasizes a span of time rather than a specific instant; highlights duration of "time".

Back then

Informal and concise, implies a contrast with the present "time".

In those days

Suggests a more distant past, carrying connotations of a different era and "time".

At that stage

Implies a point within a process or development during a specific "time".

By then

Indicates a point reached before something else happened at the end of that "time".

On that occasion

Refers to a specific event or instance; less focused on the passage of "time".

Simultaneously

Highlights concurrence or happening at the same "time" without direct reference to a period.

While that was happening

Emphasizes the duration and context of events unfolding during the specified "time".

During those times

Highlights conditions/circumstances that were present during a particular "time".

FAQs

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

Use "at that time" to specify when something occurred in relation to a previously mentioned event or period. For example, "I lived in New York, and "at that time", I worked as a journalist".

What phrases are similar to "at that time"?

Similar phrases include "at that moment", "in those days", or "back then", each carrying slightly different connotations regarding the distance or specificity of the time being referenced.

Is "at the time" interchangeable with "at that time"?

While similar, "at the time" usually refers to the present moment under discussion, whereas "at that time" refers to a specific point in the past. The choice depends on the intended temporal reference.

What is the difference between "at that time" and "simultaneously"?

"At that time" situates an event within a specific moment, while "simultaneously" emphasizes that two or more events occurred at the same moment, without necessarily referencing a broader context.