at the exact same time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the exact same time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more events occur simultaneously. Example: "The fireworks lit up the sky at the exact same time as the clock struck midnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since it publishes articles at the exact same time as the regular journals, the web crawlers see it as a timely and authoritative source with lots of backlinks.

Harvard University

He kicks it high and chases, catching it at the exact same time as Halfpenny.

The Guardian - Sport

Then comes Dec. 31, and suddenly everyone wants to celebrate at the exact same time.

The New York Times

I had tried following all of my dreams at the exact same time.

The New Yorker

But disaster rarely hits all humanity at the exact same time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Why do they all gain those extra pounds at the exact same time of year?" November 23, 2016.

The New Yorker

If a system is fragmented, all users might not be getting new information at the exact same time.

The New Yorker

The only dilemma: Stuart Holden and Bolton Wanderers will be televised on Fox Soccer Channel at the exact same time.

The New York Times

At the exact same time as his final, Baird was scheduled to make another presentation a few hundred miles south of Uris Hall: at the White House.

Columbia University

But what would happen if you went outside on the second night at the exact same time you went out on the first night (7:00)?

Cornell University

The lasers should bounce off the mirrors and head back along each arm, arriving where they started at the exact same time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the exact same time", ensure that the context clearly establishes the events being synchronized. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the actions or occurrences linked by this phrase.

Common error

Avoid pairing "at the exact same time" with other redundant phrases like "simultaneously together". The phrase already implies simultaneity, so adding extra qualifiers weakens the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the exact same time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action occurs. Ludwig provides examples showing it commonly indicates simultaneity, emphasizing the coordinated timing of two or more events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the exact same time" serves as an adverbial phrase that specifies that two or more actions or events are occurring simultaneously. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and is commonly used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. While synonyms like "simultaneously" or "concurrently" can be used, the specific phrase emphasizes the precision of the synchronicity. When using it, ensure clarity and avoid redundant additions. Therefore, it is a reliable and versatile choice for expressing simultaneity in writing.

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; more concise and often more formal.

concurrently

Similar to 'simultaneously' but often used in more technical or formal contexts.

at the same instant

Emphasizes the immediacy and precise timing of the simultaneous events.

at that very moment

Highlights a specific moment when something occurred simultaneously with something else; often used in narrative contexts.

at once

Indicates that multiple things happen together or immediately.

at the selfsame time

An older or more emphatic way of saying "at the same time".

in unison

Implies a coordinated or synchronized action happening together.

in sync

Suggests that events are aligned or harmonized in their timing.

coincidentally

Highlights the chance or unexpected nature of events happening together.

synchronously

Similar to simultaneously but specifically suggests events are coordinated in time, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "at the exact same time" to indicate that two or more events are happening concurrently. For example, "The doors opened "at the exact same time" the music started."

What are some alternatives to "at the exact same time"?

Alternatives include "simultaneously", "concurrently", or "at the same instant". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "at the exact same time together"?

Yes, adding "together" to "at the exact same time" is redundant. The phrase already implies that events are occurring jointly. Saying "at the same time" is sufficient.

What is the difference between "at the exact same time" and "at the same time"?

"At the exact same time" emphasizes the precision of the simultaneity, suggesting that the events are perfectly synchronized. "At the same time" is a more general expression and doesn't necessarily imply such precision. Depending on the context, "at the same time" may be a good alternative.