but at that time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but at that time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment in the past when discussing events or situations that occurred. Example: "I was unaware of the changes in policy, but at that time, I was focused on other projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Q: But at that time you...

Cornell University

But at that time, it was different.

The Guardian

But at that time, no one was so concerned.

The Washington Post

But at that time, there was nothing in place.

The Guardian - Film

But at that time there was no deportation to Cambodia.

The New York Times - Magazine

But at that time they were not given this information.

The Guardian

But at that time, the ECB spoke of succession planning.

The Guardian - Sport

But at that time the surgeon's word was law.

The Guardian - Film

"But at that time I'm going to be 78 years old.

The New York Times - Sports

It's hard to believe, but at that time pizza was exotic.

The New Yorker

"We networked heavily, but at that time you wouldn't have called it networking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but at that time" to clearly indicate a contrast with a previously mentioned situation or condition in the past. This phrase works best when specifying a particular moment or period is important for understanding the contrast.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "but at that time" when a simpler construction like "but then" or "however" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or unnecessarily wordy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but at that time" functions as an adverbial conjunction phrase, linking two clauses while introducing a contrast in the context of a specific past moment. Ludwig provides numerous examples that highlight the phrase's role in setting up temporal opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but at that time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction phrase that serves to introduce a contrast related to a specific point in the past. According to Ludwig, its neutral register makes it appropriate for a variety of contexts, including news articles and academic papers. While it's important to avoid redundancy by ensuring it adds necessary clarity, the phrase remains a useful tool for expressing temporal contrasts. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms the phrase's validity and widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however back then

Replaces "at that time" with "back then", emphasizing a past period while maintaining the contrast.

yet during that period

Substitutes "but" with "yet" and "at that time" with "during that period" for a more formal tone.

though in those days

Uses "though" instead of "but" and "in those days" to evoke a sense of a bygone era.

although then

Replaces "at that time" with "then", providing a more concise expression of temporal contrast.

nonetheless at that point

Offers a more formal alternative, replacing "but" with "nonetheless" and "time" with "point".

still at that juncture

Replaces "but" with "still" and "time" with "juncture", providing a slightly more sophisticated feel.

even so at that stage

Introduces a stronger sense of contrast with "even so", while "at that stage" replaces the original temporal marker.

conversely at that moment

Emphasizes the contrasting element with "conversely" and focuses on a specific instant with "at that moment".

on the other hand then

Uses "on the other hand" for a clearer contrast, with "then" serving as a simplified temporal reference.

in contrast at that hour

Highlights the opposition with "in contrast" and specifies a particular time with "at that hour".

FAQs

How can I use "but at that time" in a sentence?

The phrase "but at that time" introduces a contrast related to a specific moment in the past. For example, "I didn't understand the implications, but at that time, I trusted his judgment."

What are some alternatives to "but at that time"?

You can use alternatives like "however back then", "yet during that period", or "although then" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "but at that time" and "but then"?

While both indicate a contrast, "but at that time" emphasizes a specific point in the past, whereas "but then" ("but then") is a more general temporal contrast.

Can I use "but at that time" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "but at that time" can sometimes sound awkward. Consider rephrasing the sentence for a smoother flow, or use a different conjunction like "however" or "yet".