in the same breath

USAGE SUMMARY

'in the same breath' is a valid expression in written English and it is often used to refer to two conflicting statements or ideas that are expressed one after the other.
For example: "She said she didn't care about the outcome of the game, but in the same breath she was asking me how it was going."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Not that Low was mentioning Blackburn in the same breath.

The New York Times - Sports

Praise and friendly criticism in the same breath?

The Guardian

To be spoken of in the same breath is incredible".

The Guardian - Books

RONALD REAGAN and Ossie Davis in the same breath?

The New York Times

But in the same breath, he admitted feeling helpless.

The New York Times - Sports

But in the same breath, he praised her reporting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

In the same breath he continued, "A hundred and five.

The New Yorker

It is frightening and inspiring in the same breath.

The Guardian - Business

Transportation, on the other hand, simply cannot be mentioned in the same breath as her examples.

Forbes

Almost in the same breath, she says she won't be making another.

The Guardian

We want to be mentioned in the same breath.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the same breath" to effectively highlight irony, contradiction, or a swift change in topic within a sentence. It adds emphasis to contrasting ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "in the same breath" merely to indicate that two things were said consecutively. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a contradiction or unexpected juxtaposition, not simply a sequence of statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the same breath" functions as an adverbial phrase. As shown by Ludwig, it modifies a verb or clause, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a statement is made. It commonly introduces a sense of contrast or simultaneity between two elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the same breath" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express simultaneity or contradiction between two statements or actions. As indicated by Ludwig, it often serves to highlight irony or unexpected juxtaposition. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing, making it a valuable tool for adding emphasis and nuance to your writing. While the phrase is generally grammatically sound and widely understood, it's important to ensure it is used appropriately to emphasize contrast rather than mere sequencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right after saying that

Indicates an immediate sequence, reducing the emphasis on contrast or contradiction.

immediately after saying that

Highlights the close temporal proximity of the two statements, minimizing the sense of simultaneousness.

on the heels of that

Suggests that something happens immediately after something else. Less emphasis on contradiction.

almost immediately

Similar to 'immediately after saying that', stressing the short time interval between statements.

at the same time

Emphasizes the temporal coincidence of two actions or statements, without necessarily implying contradiction.

following that statement

Emphasizes the sequence, with less implication of conflict or simultaneity.

simultaneously

Implies exact timing overlap, focusing on the concurrent nature of events rather than the statement itself.

in rapid succession

Focuses on the quick sequence of events or statements, not necessarily their contradictory nature.

in the same moment

Highlights the simultaneity, potentially reducing the focus on contradiction implied by the original phrase.

contemporaneously

Focuses solely on the fact that the statements or actions happen at the same time.

FAQs

How can I use "in the same breath" in a sentence?

Use "in the same breath" to show that someone says two things that seem contradictory or surprising when said together. For example, "He praised her work ethic, but "in the same breath", criticized her lack of creativity".

What does "in the same breath" mean?

It means that two related things are said very close together in time, often implying that they contrast or contradict each other. The impact comes from the close proximity of the contrasting ideas.

Which is correct, "in the same breath" or "with the same breath"?

"In the same breath" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "With the same breath" isn't typically used to convey the same meaning and may sound awkward.

What can I say instead of "in the same breath"?

You can use alternatives like "simultaneously", "at the same time", or "almost immediately" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.