meanwhile that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meanwhile that" is not correct and does not work in written English.
It seems to be an incorrect combination of "meanwhile" and "that," which are typically used separately in different contexts. Example: "I was studying for my exam; meanwhile, my friends were out having fun."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, that fast-growing online business?

Independent

Meanwhile, that group's own movement has been marked by speed.

The Washington Post

With street crime, meanwhile, that is not the case.

The New York Times - Magazine

Meanwhile, that trade surplus drains much-needed demand away from a depressed world economy.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, that was a hell of a final exchange of glances between Don and Sally.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, that young woman skips about, spreading cheer and light among the andirons and dusty wainscoting.

The New York Times

It is hard to repel the worrying feeling, meanwhile, that tennis is leaving Andy Murray behind.

The Guardian - Sport

Phillips said, meanwhile, that pitcher Pedro Astacio had appealed an earlier fine for brushing back Bonds.

The New York Times - Sports

Meanwhile, that same reputation for tactics has fueled skepticism about the sincerity of his response.

The Washington Post

Meanwhile, that leaves the unspoken: the Uncanny Valley is shrinking geography.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Meanwhile, that unknown man in the broad collar stares at the camera.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meanwhile" or "in the meantime" to indicate concurrent events or a shift in focus, avoiding the grammatically incorrect combination "meanwhile that".

Common error

Do not use "meanwhile that" as a conjunction. Instead, choose either "meanwhile" to introduce a related but separate point, or use "that" to introduce a clause or specify something.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "meanwhile that" appears intended to act as a conjunction, linking two related but distinct clauses. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically incorrect, suggesting it does not function properly as a standard conjunction in English. As shown in the examples, you should stick to "meanwhile" or "while".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the intention behind using the phrase "meanwhile that" might be to connect related ideas, it is grammatically incorrect and not recommended. Ludwig AI confirms its incorrect usage, suggesting that it is not a standard conjunction in English. Instead, opt for alternatives like "meanwhile", "in the meantime", or "at the same time" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. These alternatives effectively convey the intended meaning of simultaneity or contrast.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while

A simple conjunction expressing simultaneity or contrast.

in the meantime

Similar to "in the interim", this option focuses on the period between events.

at the same time

This alternative highlights the simultaneity of two occurrences.

simultaneously

This single-word adverb clearly indicates that two things are happening at the same time.

in the interim

This alternative emphasizes the time between two events or actions.

concurrently

This adverb specifies that events are occurring together.

in parallel

Implies that actions are proceeding independently but at the same time.

at once

This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and simultaneity of actions.

whilst

This conjunction introduces a subordinate clause indicating something happening at the same time as something else.

during which

Highlights that something occurs within the period of another event.

FAQs

Is "meanwhile that" grammatically correct?

No, "meanwhile that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The word "meanwhile" functions as an adverb or a conjunctive adverb on its own. It doesn't need "that" to connect clauses. You can use "in the meantime" or simply "meanwhile".

What can I use instead of "meanwhile that"?

Instead of "meanwhile that", you can use alternatives like "meanwhile", "at the same time", or "in the meantime". The best choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

How can I correctly use "meanwhile" in a sentence?

Use "meanwhile" to introduce a related but contrasting or simultaneous event or situation. For example: "I was studying for my exam; "meanwhile", my friends were out having fun."

What is the difference between "meanwhile" and "in the meantime"?

"Meanwhile" and "in the meantime" are often interchangeable. However, "in the meantime" emphasizes the period between two events, while "meanwhile" simply indicates simultaneity or a shift in focus.