very at the same time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very at the same time" is not correct in standard written English.
It is an awkward construction and does not convey a clear meaning. Example: "She was very at the same time excited and nervous about the presentation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The fitting and fabrications are great -- very, very innovative and very, very classic at the same time (Pester jacket, $1,530).

The New York Times

The guilt and remorse over hurting your spouse or family may be very real at the same time.

Huffington Post

Although structural, the pictures are very informal and very free at the same time.

The New Yorker

The video is mesmerizing — very strange and very normal at the same time.

The New York Times - Arts

"For some reason, this broadcast was very calming and very exciting at the same time".

The New York Times

"It is very fast and very technical at the same time".

The New York Times

The world is very beautiful but very terrifying at the same time".

The New York Times

"He's very edgy and very likable at the same time," said Louis Faranda, general manager at Carolines.

The New York Times

Japanese puppetry takes its great power from the fact that it is very realistic and very artificial at the same time.

The New Yorker

So it was very frustrating and very demoralising at the same time.

BBC

Everything sounds very crisp and very warm at the same time.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Rephrase your sentence to avoid ambiguity. Instead of trying to combine opposing qualities with this phrase, consider directly stating both qualities using conjunctions or separate sentences.

Common error

Avoid using "very at the same time" when simpler conjunctions like "but", "yet", or "and" can connect contrasting adjectives more effectively. For example, instead of 'It was very chaotic and very calm at the same time', try 'It was chaotic but calm'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very at the same time" functions as an attempt to combine contradictory or contrasting attributes. However, it is not grammatically sound and creates ambiguity, as Ludwig AI states. Proper alternatives should be used to clarify the intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very at the same time" is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. Ludwig AI identifies it as an awkward construction. To express simultaneous yet contrasting qualities, consider using alternatives like "simultaneously", "concurrently", or restructuring your sentence for better precision. While examples exist across various sources, this does not validate its use; instead, it underscores the need for clearer and more grammatically sound phrasing in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously

A single word to indicate two things happening at the same time.

concurrently

Indicates that two things happen or exist at the same time.

at once

A shorter way to say "at the same time".

in conjunction

Suggests a coordinated action or occurrence.

in parallel

Implies that two or more things are progressing at the same rate and time.

together

A simpler way to express that multiple things are combined or occurring at the same moment.

synchronously

Highlights the precisely timed nature of simultaneous events.

contemporaneously

Indicates that things exist or occur in the same period of time.

at the selfsame time

Emphasizes the exactness of the simultaneous occurrence.

while

A conjunction used to indicate that two things are happening during the same period.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "very at the same time" for better clarity?

Consider using alternatives such as "simultaneously", "concurrently", or restructuring your sentence to express the ideas separately for improved readability.

Is "very at the same time" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "very at the same time" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use more precise language to convey your intended meaning.

What's a more natural way to express contrasting qualities happening together?

You can use conjunctions like "but", "yet", or "while" to connect contrasting qualities directly. For instance, "It was exciting, but also a little scary" is clearer than attempting to use "very at the same time".

In what contexts might I want to avoid using "very at the same time"?

Avoid using "very at the same time" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications. Simpler and more direct phrasing will enhance the clarity and credibility of your message.