at the same time

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the same time" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to indicate two or more simultaneous events or ideas. For example, "She was excited to move to the city, but at the same time she was nervous about leaving her family behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the same time.

The Guardian - Film

Not at the same time".

Independent

Happy at the same time.

The New York Times

But, at the same time, strength.

The New Yorker

And certainly not at the same time.

Independent

Her pursuers arrived at the same time.

The New York Times

"But at the same time very magical".

The New York Times

Yet at the same time power corrupts.

The Economist

Lost and found at the same time.

The New York Times - Sports

They happened at the same time.

The New Yorker

"They both started at the same time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the same time" to effectively link contrasting ideas within a sentence, creating a nuanced understanding. For example: "She was excited about the opportunity, but, at the same time, apprehensive about the risks involved."

Common error

Avoid using "at the same time" in simple sentences where a conjunction like "and" or "but" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less concise. Opt for simpler alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the same time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate simultaneity or concurrence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively connects two actions or states that exist concurrently. It adds temporal context and can also introduce contrasting ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the same time" is a highly versatile adverbial phrase used to denote simultaneity or to introduce contrasting yet coexisting elements, effectively bridging ideas within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. Given its prevalence in sources like The New York Times and The Economist, and the usage pattern shows that it's most commonly found in News & Media, followed by Wiki and Science, it's a valuable tool in writing across different contexts. Being aware of common mistakes, such as overuse in simple sentences, can refine your writing and ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously

Single word replacement, focusing on the exact timing of events.

concurrently

Emphasizes the parallel existence or occurrence of events.

in parallel

Highlights that actions are happening alongside each other.

meanwhile

Implies that something is happening during the interval.

at once

Indicates immediacy and simultaneity.

together

Simple alternative emphasizing the unified action.

in unison

Suggests coordinated or synchronized actions.

in conjunction

Highlights the combined action of multiple elements.

whilst

Conveys simultaneous timing, often in British English.

synchronously

Focuses on the perfect synchronization of events.

FAQs

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

Use "at the same time" to show that two things are happening simultaneously or to introduce a contrasting idea. For example: "He was studying for his exam, and "at the same time", he was listening to music".

What can I say instead of "at the same time"?

You can use alternatives like "simultaneously", "concurrently", or "meanwhile" depending on the specific context you want to convey. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "at the same time"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "at the same time" is grammatically correct, especially when you want to connect the sentence's content with the previous statement by indicating a simultaneous or contrasting element.

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

"Simultaneously" indicates that two events are happening at the exact same moment. "At the same time" can also mean simultaneously, but it can also introduce contrasting yet coexisting feelings or situations.