but at the same time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but at the same time when" is not correct and is awkward in written English.
It is generally used to indicate a simultaneous occurrence, but the construction is redundant and can be confusing. Example: "I want to enjoy my vacation, but at the same time when I return, I need to start preparing for my exams."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But at the same time, when he died, I felt free.

The New York Times

"But at the same time, when we have good days, it reflects on him also.

The New York Times - Sports

"But at the same time, when you miss the mark, you're offending people.

The Washington Post

But at the same time, when you're playing against Rex, it's hard to compare yourself".

The New York Times - Sports

But at the same time when we're making this, I don't want to hold back.

The New York Times - Arts

"But at the same time, when you come out in the third quarter, it's over with.

The New York Times - Sports

But at the same time, when he catches the ball, he doesn't necessarily catch the laces all the time.

The Guardian - Sport

"But at the same time, when you first meet them, you have to put effort into it.

The Guardian - Arts

But at the same time, when I think about it, what would have happened if I had won?

The Guardian - Sport

But at the same time, when I read something back, I can be surprised in a good way.

The Guardian - Books

But at the same time, when you analyze traditional Japanese architecture, one can uncover some spatial properties that relate to our work.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the redundant phrase "but at the same time when". Opt for clearer alternatives like "simultaneously" or "concurrently" to improve sentence structure and readability.

Common error

Don't combine "but at the same time" with "when". This creates unnecessary wordiness. Choose the construction that best fits your intended meaning: either use "but at the same time" or rephrase using "when" with a contrasting element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but at the same time when" functions as a conjunction phrase attempting to introduce a contrasting element that occurs simultaneously with another. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically questionable due to its redundancy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "but at the same time when" is frequently used, it's considered grammatically incorrect and redundant. As Ludwig AI points out, the inclusion of "when" is often unnecessary and detracts from the clarity of the sentence. For improved writing, consider using alternatives such as "but simultaneously", "yet at the same time", or simply restructuring your sentence to avoid the awkward construction altogether. Although commonly found in news and media, opting for more precise language will enhance the professionalism and readability of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the same time that

Changes structure slightly for emphasis and flow.

yet at the same time

Replaces 'but' with 'yet', offering a slightly stronger sense of contrast while retaining the temporal aspect.

however, at the same time

Introduces 'however' for a more formal contrast, maintaining the simultaneous aspect.

but simultaneously

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb, emphasizing concurrence.

but concurrently

Similar to 'simultaneously', highlighting the parallel nature of the events.

although at the same time

Uses 'although' to introduce a subordinate clause that provides a contrasting element.

while at the same time

Starts with 'while' to indicate something happening during the same period as something else but contrasting.

but while this is true

Emphasizes the acknowledgement of one fact before introducing a contrasting one.

at the same time, though

Positions 'though' at the end for a more casual, conversational tone.

but in that moment

Focuses on a specific moment, highlighting the concurrence of events.

FAQs

What's wrong with the phrase "but at the same time when"?

The phrase "but at the same time when" is considered redundant and grammatically awkward. The "when" is often unnecessary and complicates the sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is not correct.

How can I replace "but at the same time when" in a sentence?

Consider using alternatives like "but simultaneously", "but concurrently", or "yet at the same time" for clearer and more concise writing.

Is "at the same time" the same as "at the same time when"?

No, "at the same time" is a standard phrase indicating simultaneity. Adding "when" makes the phrase unnecessarily complex and grammatically unsound. It's better to stick with "at the same time".

When is it appropriate to use "but at the same time"?

It's appropriate to use "but at the same time" when you want to express a contrast that occurs simultaneously. For example, "I enjoy the challenge, but at the same time, I find it stressful."