even at that time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even at that time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to introduce something that was true or relevant even when something else was true or relevant. For example: Although the store was busy, the staff were helpful and accommodating even at that time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet even at that time, such social activism provoked controversy.

The Guardian

Even at that time, she was a good speaker.

The Guardian - Arts

There was a sense, even at that time, that this was a man you could trust.

Harvard University

And even at that time, I thought this would be an amazing book.

Princeton University

Even at that time, two of the species that he described were extinct, including the dodo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There were many crises around the world, even at that time.

The Washington Post

Even at that time, I knew something was rotten in the state of Denmark".

The Guardian

I think even at that time they could have been tougher.

The New Yorker

And yesterday even at that time I thought 'Hmm, maybe something is strange'".

The Guardian

But, even at that time, one of the great visions of the medium was self-scheduling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What is going on?" Anger within the party at the self-inflicted damage was huge even at that time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even at that time" to emphasize a fact or condition that existed despite other circumstances, adding a layer of surprise or contrast to your sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "even at that time" when simply stating a fact without any implied contrast or surprise; it can sound redundant if not used to highlight a specific unexpected element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even at that time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to indicate a specific point in the past. According to Ludwig, it introduces a circumstance or situation that existed despite other prevailing conditions or expectations. It emphasizes concurrence of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even at that time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the concurrence of events or conditions in the past, often highlighting a surprising or contrasting element. According to Ludwig, it functions to add nuance and emphasis when describing past events, especially when you want to draw attention to something unexpected. Its usage is considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and other sources. While suitable for various contexts, it should be used thoughtfully to ensure it genuinely adds emphasis and doesn't become redundant. Consider using alternatives like "even then" or "at the time" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even then

Similar, but emphasizes a condition contrary to expectation.

at the time

A more general way to refer to a past moment.

back then

More concise and informal.

at that point

Focuses on a specific moment in time.

in those days

Implies a more general period in the past.

in that period

Refers to a continuous duration in the past.

during that era

Refers to a specific historical period.

at that juncture

Highlights a critical or decisive moment.

at that stage

Highlights a particular phase or development.

even in those circumstances

Emphasizes the prevailing conditions at the time.

FAQs

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

Use "even at that time" to emphasize that something was true or existed despite other circumstances that might suggest otherwise. For example, "The city was already struggling with poverty, and "even at that time", corruption was rampant."

What's a simpler way to say "even at that time"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "even then", "at the time", or "back then" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "even at that time" and "at that time"?

"Even at that time" emphasizes a surprising or unexpected element that existed concurrently, whereas "at that time" simply refers to a specific point in the past without implying surprise.

When is it inappropriate to use "even at that time"?

It's best to avoid using ""even at that time"" when there is no element of surprise or contrast, as it can make the sentence sound unnecessarily complex. In such cases, "at that time" is usually more suitable.