then at the same time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then at the same time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two events or actions are occurring simultaneously. Example: "She was studying for her exams, then at the same time, she was working part-time to support herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But then at the same time, there's pressure again, having to prove yourself.

The New York Times - Sports

But then, at the same time, I was afraid to find out".

The New York Times

But then, at the same time I think, they're probably not even there to meet me..

The Guardian - Music

And then, at the same time, alongside all that wisdom and infinite detail, there are stories.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You lived your regular life, and then, at the same time, you had this hidden other life.

The New Yorker

"And then at the same time, the competitive side kicks over and I want to do really well".

The New York Times - Sports

Then, at the same time, Mo tells the story of her son, Shangguan Jintong, the only child who outlives her.

The New Yorker

The great gay spaces, the discos and bars, in both cities were built then at the same time as democracy.

The Guardian

It's all about exile, about banishment, about being cut away and then at the same time having to take part".

The New York Times

And it was really important to get out and meet people and then at the same time to promote our athletic department".

The New York Times - Sports

"And then at the same time, I saw what I really need to work on by playing against Roddy and Dominique Jones.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then at the same time" to clearly indicate that two actions or events are happening concurrently, particularly when emphasizing the sequence of events leading up to the simultaneity. This can help avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "then at the same time" in simple sentences where a more concise word like "simultaneously" or "concurrently" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then at the same time" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, linking two clauses or events to indicate simultaneity. It often emphasizes the sequence leading up to the simultaneous occurrence, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then at the same time" is a grammatically correct and very common conjunctive phrase used to indicate that two events are happening simultaneously, often with an emphasis on the sequence leading to that simultaneity. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its prevalent use in news and media, as well as in academic contexts. While effective for clarity, writers should avoid overuse in simple sentences where single-word alternatives like "simultaneously" might be more appropriate. Understanding its nuances and contexts of use can help improve writing precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously

Single word replacement indicating actions happening at the same time, with less emphasis on sequence.

concurrently

More formal single word indicating actions happening at the same time.

at the same moment

Focuses on a specific instant when two things occur.

in tandem

Suggests coordinated actions occurring together.

at once

Implies immediacy and lack of delay.

meanwhile

Indicates something happening during the same period as another event.

in the interim

Highlights events occurring during an intervening period.

whilst

British English equivalent of "while", indicating simultaneous actions.

at the selfsame time

Emphasizes the exact simultaneity of events.

synchronously

Implies a timed coordination of events.

FAQs

What does "then at the same time" mean?

The phrase "then at the same time" is used to indicate that two events or actions occur simultaneously, often emphasizing the sequence leading to the simultaneous occurrence.

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

You can use "then at the same time" to connect two related events happening concurrently. For example: "She was studying for her exams, and "then at the same time", she was working part-time to support herself."

What are some alternatives to "then at the same time"?

Alternatives include "simultaneously", "concurrently", or "at the same moment". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "then at the same time" interchangeable with "at the same time"?

While both phrases indicate simultaneity, "then at the same time" often implies a sequence of events leading to the simultaneous occurrence, whereas "at the same time" simply indicates that two things are happening concurrently without necessarily implying a sequence.