at the very time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the very time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an event that happens precisely at a certain moment in time. For example, "My phone buzzed at the very time John walked into the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spain now lost the Philippines and the last of its possessions in the Americas at the very time when the great European powers were building their overseas empires.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Whigs controlled state politics at the very time Jackson was president.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Revenue could decrease at the very time the government needs it most.

The New York Times

But that silence only isolates the bereaved at the very time they most need comfort.

The New York Times - Style

"At the very time they were committed, he was already in custody".

The New York Times

They were the two qualities missing in Nottinghamshire's cricket at the very time they needed them.

The Guardian - Sport

This would create a huge rift with India at the very time their differences are healing.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, these detectors calculate the blood pressure at the very time of giving answers to certain questions when answered.

University of California, Berkeley

An indigenous religious leadership began to emerge at the very time that Andalusian Jewry was entering its golden age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He joined the Young Communist League aged 16 – at the very time his father was rescuing Freud from the Nazis.

The Guardian - Books

"It denies support upfront to the most vulnerable labour market group at the very time they need it".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the very time" to emphasize the unexpected or ironic nature of events coinciding, creating a sense of heightened significance or dramatic timing.

Common error

Avoid using "at the very time" when a simple "when" or "while" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily emphatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very time" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It introduces a clause that specifies the precise moment an event occurs, often to emphasize a coincidence or unexpected timing. Ludwig examples show this phrase adds emphasis to simultaneous events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the very time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. It adds emphasis to the simultaneous occurrence of events, often highlighting unexpected or ironic timing. According to Ludwig, this expression is most commonly found in News & Media sources and Academia, indicating a neutral to formal register. While "at the very time" is generally considered correct, remember to consider the emphasis that this specific expression adds. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily emphatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that precise moment

This phrase highlights the exactness and immediacy of the timing, providing a more emphatic alternative.

just as

This construction implies a direct correlation or immediate sequence between two events, offering a simpler alternative.

while

This conjunction is used to show that events or situations are happening at the same time. It's a more straightforward option.

simultaneously

This single word succinctly conveys the idea of events occurring at the same time, offering a more concise alternative.

as soon as

Focuses on the immediacy of the second event following the first, implying a rapid succession.

concurrently

Similar to 'simultaneously', this emphasizes the parallel occurrence of events but often in a more formal context.

during which

This phrase emphasizes the period in which the event occurs, providing a slightly more formal alternative.

in the instant that

Emphasizes the brevity and immediacy of the event, creating a sense of suddenness.

in the very second that

Highlights the extremely short duration and coincidence of the events.

at the selfsame time

This emphasizes the identical timing of events, using a slightly archaic tone for added emphasis.

FAQs

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

Use "at the very time" to emphasize simultaneous events, especially when one is unexpected or ironic. For example, "The stock market crashed "at the very time" the company announced record profits".

What's a simpler way to say "at the very time"?

Alternatives include "simultaneously", "concurrently", or "just as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "at the very time" over "when" or "while"?

"At the very time" adds emphasis and surprise, making it suitable when highlighting a striking coincidence. "When" or "while" are more appropriate for simply indicating simultaneous occurrences without extra emphasis.

Is "at the very time that" grammatically different from "at the very time when"?

Both "at the very time that" and "at the very time when" are grammatically correct and used interchangeably, but "when" is typically used more frequently and provides better flow in the sentences.