both at the same time

USAGE SUMMARY

"both at the same time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when trying to say that two or more actions are being done simultaneously. For example: I was able to concentrate on my work and listen to music both at the same time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not both at the same time.

Independent

He is both at the same time.

The New York Times

Sometimes both at the same time.

The Guardian - Business

Not, surely, both at the same time.

The Guardian

Never give both at the same time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or both at the same time?

The New Yorker

How do you kill both at the same time?

The New York Times - Books

I can drink both at the same time.

The Guardian - Sport

To distract or confront, or both at the same time?

The Guardian - Music

"Sometimes both at the same time," Irene said.

The New Yorker

But what if you meet both at the same time?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both at the same time" to clearly indicate that two actions or events are happening simultaneously, especially when it might be unclear otherwise. This phrase emphasizes the concurrency.

Common error

Be mindful of redundancy. Avoid using "both at the same time" when the context already clearly implies simultaneity. For example, instead of saying "They arrived both at the same time", consider simply saying "They arrived together" if the simultaneity is obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both at the same time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that two actions or events occur concurrently. Ludwig examples show it clarifies simultaneous actions, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both at the same time" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote simultaneity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in writing. While "both at the same time" is prevalent in news and media, writers should be aware of potentially more concise or stylistically appropriate alternatives in formal settings. Be mindful of redundancy and ensure the phrase adds value by explicitly highlighting concurrent actions or events. Remember that this phrase is useful for clarity and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously

A single-word adverb emphasizing the concurrent nature of events.

concurrently

Similar to 'simultaneously', but perhaps slightly more formal.

at once

Implies immediacy and lack of delay in the occurrence of events.

in unison

Suggests a coordinated or harmonious simultaneous action.

at the same instant

Emphasizes the precise timing of the simultaneous events.

in parallel

Highlights the independent but synchronized nature of two or more processes.

at the selfsame time

More emphatic and archaic variant with the same meaning.

together

A broader term indicating joint or combined action, implying simultaneity in some contexts.

side by side

Suggests a spatial simultaneity or parallel progression.

all at once

Emphasizes a sudden, simultaneous occurrence of multiple events.

FAQs

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

You can use "both at the same time" to indicate that two actions or events are occurring simultaneously. For example, "She was laughing and crying "both at the same time"".

What are some alternatives to using "both at the same time"?

Some alternatives include "simultaneously", "concurrently", or "at once". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "at the same time" and "both at the same time"?

"At the same time" generally refers to a single event or action happening at a specific moment, while "both at the same time" specifically emphasizes that two distinct things are happening concurrently. For instance, "The meeting is at 3 PM", versus "They both arrived "both at the same time"".

Can "both at the same time" be used for more than two things occurring simultaneously?

While "both" typically implies two, the phrase can sometimes be used more loosely to suggest that multiple things are happening together, although it's generally clearer to use alternatives like "all at the same time" or "simultaneously" when referring to more than two items.