at the selfsame time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the selfsame time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more events are happening simultaneously. Example: "She managed to study for her exams and work a part-time job at the selfsame time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Representative Sentence: "All our lives we've been looking for something, in the end for everything imaginable, and never finding it, always wanting to achieve everything and not succeeding, or else achieving it and losing it at the selfsame moment".

Vice

At the proper time.

The New Yorker

"At the appropriate time".

The New York Times

At the same time.

The Guardian - Film

Not at the same time".

Independent

Happy at the same time.

The New York Times

At the same time, "Sen.

Forbes

No, at the same time.

Science Magazine

At the same time, Maj.

Wikipedia

Post at the right time.

WikiHow

Vine at the right time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the selfsame time" to add a touch of formality or emphasis when describing simultaneous events, particularly in written contexts where a more sophisticated tone is desired. Be mindful that the phrase may sound somewhat archaic in modern spoken English.

Common error

Avoid using "at the selfsame time" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly pretentious or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "at the same time" or "simultaneously" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the selfsame time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurs. It emphasizes simultaneity, suggesting that two or more events happen concurrently. Ludwig's examples showcase this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the selfsame time" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the simultaneous occurrence of two or more events. While it's considered somewhat formal and even archaic, it can add emphasis to written contexts. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is usable, though less common than alternatives such as "simultaneously" or "at the same time". Consider the formality of your writing and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously

This alternative offers a direct and concise way to indicate that two actions occur at the same moment.

concurrently

This term suggests that events happen together or alongside each other in a coordinated manner.

at the same time

A common and straightforward way of expressing simultaneity. It's less formal than the original phrase.

in unison

Implies a coordinated action occurring at the exact same moment, often with a sense of precision.

synchronously

Similar to 'simultaneously' but often used in technical or scientific contexts to denote coordinated timing.

at once

Emphasizes the immediacy and lack of delay in actions occurring together.

contemporaneously

A more formal way to say 'at the same time', implying that events occur within the same period.

meanwhile

Suggests that one event is happening while another is in progress, often implying a contrast or connection.

whilst

Indicates simultaneity but also suggests a degree of contrast or comparison between the events.

in parallel

Implies that processes or actions are occurring alongside each other, often independently but with a shared goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the selfsame time" to describe two or more events happening concurrently. For example, 'She was studying for her exams and working a part-time job "at the selfsame time"'.

What are some alternatives to "at the selfsame time"?

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

Is "at the selfsame time" formal or informal?

"At the selfsame time" is generally considered a more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "at the same time". It's best suited for written contexts where a more sophisticated or emphatic tone is desired.

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

While both phrases indicate simultaneity, "at the selfsame time" carries a stronger emphasis and a more formal tone. "At the same time" is a more common and neutral expression, while "at the selfsame time" is used to add emphasis or a slightly archaic flair.