the same time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the same time" is correct in written English.
It can be used to describe two simultaneous events or activities. For example: I was studying for my math test and eating ice cream at the same time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the same time.

The Guardian - Film

Around the same time, U.A.E.

The New York Times

Around the same time (Oct.

The New York Times

Not at the same time".

Independent

Happy at the same time.

The New York Times

But at the same time, Belle understood.

The New York Times

Timeless but at the same time, creative".

The New York Times

At the same time, he carries baggage.

The New York Times

and "Baby" at the same time.

The New York Times

At the same time, prices are tumbling.

The Economist

At the same time, competitors have emerged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the same time" to clearly indicate that two or more events are happening simultaneously. This helps avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing "at the same time" as a mere transitional phrase. If the temporal relationship isn't crucial, consider using simpler connectors like "also" or "furthermore" to maintain a smoother flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the same time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when an action occurs. It specifies simultaneity or temporal overlap. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the same time" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that two or more events occur simultaneously. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency. While appropriate for various contexts, avoid overuse as a simple transition. Alternatives like "simultaneously" or "concurrently" can add variety to your writing. Be mindful of the specific nuances when choosing the most suitable phrase for your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously

This is a single-word adverb that directly indicates that two things occur at the same time.

at once

Indicates that events happen together or immediately.

concurrently

Implies that processes or events occur together during the same period.

in unison

Suggests synchronized action or occurrence.

at the selfsame time

Adds emphasis to the simultaneity, indicating it's precisely the same moment.

in parallel

Describes processes that are running side by side.

at the synchronous moment

Denotes an exactly aligned moment of occurrence.

during the same timeframe

Emphasizes that events occur within a shared period.

coincidentally

Highlights the unexpected nature of two events happening together.

contemporaneously

Relates to things happening in the same period of time.

FAQs

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

Use "the same time" to show simultaneity. For example, "I was studying and listening to music at the same time".

What are some alternatives to "the same time"?

You can use alternatives like "simultaneously", "concurrently", or "at once" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in the same time" instead of "at the same time"?

"At the same time" is the standard and grammatically correct prepositional phrase. "In the same time" is not commonly used and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

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

"At the same time" indicates two events occurring together, while "meanwhile" introduces a related but separate event happening during the same period. "I was cooking dinner; meanwhile, my kids were doing their homework".