same time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "same time when" is not considered standard in written English. It can be used informally, but it's better to avoid it in formal writing. Example: "We arrived at the same time when the meeting started." Alternative expressions include "at the same time as" and "simultaneously with."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was around the same time when anatomically modern humans began appearing in Western Siberia.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

TEC depletions and its rapid fluctuations occurred at the same time when enhanced scintillations occurred.

Advances in Space Research

And at the same time, when something happens, you have to be extremely swift.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"At the same time when the Arab leaders came to Gaza, 10 persons are killed.

The New York Times

"At the same time, when you go into the playoffs, it's 0-0".

The New York Times - Sports

"At the same time, when you stack the deck it becomes more difficult".

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

I feel transported, elated and saddened all at the same time when I hear it.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, replace "same time when" with more concise alternatives such as "at the same time as", "simultaneously", or simply "when" to improve clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using overly wordy phrases like "same time when" that include redundant elements. Instead, opt for direct alternatives such as "at the same time as" or simply "when" to make your writing more succinct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "same time when" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a clause that specifies the time frame during which another event occurs. Ludwig identifies the phrase as acceptable, but highlights opportunities for more concise phrasing. This is evident from the examples provided, which span both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "same time when" is a common construction used to denote simultaneity, but according to Ludwig, it is often considered less grammatically sound than alternatives such as "at the same time as" or simply "when". While widely used across various contexts, including news and scientific publications, opting for more concise phrasing can improve clarity and impact. The prevalence of this phrase in reputable sources suggests that, while not incorrect, there's room for refinement in formal writing. Understanding and applying these nuances can significantly enhance the precision and sophistication of one's writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while

A more concise conjunction to indicate that two actions or states are happening at the same time.

as

Similar to "while", "as" can link two simultaneous events or states, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship.

simultaneously

This single word succinctly conveys the idea of events happening at the same time, offering a more concise alternative.

at the same instant that

This alternative emphasizes the precise moment at which two events occur, highlighting simultaneity with increased precision.

during

This preposition introduces a period during which something else occurs, indicating temporal overlap.

concurrently with

This phrase provides a more formal and academic tone, indicating events happening together or in conjunction.

at the point that

This alternative stresses a particular moment when two events coincide, adding a sense of specificity.

in sync with

This suggests events are not just happening at the same time, but also in a coordinated or harmonious manner.

in parallel with

This implies two processes are running alongside each other, emphasizing their independence and simultaneity.

synchronously

This term emphasizes a coordinated or timed occurrence, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

FAQs

What is a more formal alternative to "same time when"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "at the same time as" or "simultaneously" for enhanced clarity and conciseness.

How can I use "same time when" in a sentence?

While acceptable, consider rephrasing for formal writing. Example: "The event occurred at the "same time as" the announcement."

Is "same time when" grammatically correct?

Ludwig AI considers the phrase acceptable but not ideal. Using "at the same time as" or just "when" can be more grammatically sound and less verbose.

What's the difference between "same time when" and "at the same time as"?

"At the "same time as"" is generally considered more grammatically correct and less redundant than "same time when". Both indicate simultaneity, but the former is preferred in formal writing.