at the same time

IPA/at ðə sˈeɪm tˈaɪm/
IPA/æt ðə sˈeɪm tˈaɪm/

at the same time — idiom

1. used when you want to add a different or opposite viewpoint after stating one si

1.慣用語B1
釋義

used when you want to add a different or opposite viewpoint after stating one side of an argument — functioning like 'however' or 'but consider this other fact'

例句

I know you want to go to the concert. At the same time, you have a test tomorrow morning.

contrasts a desire with a responsibility

The apartment is bright. At the same time, the rent is higher than we expected.

positive followed by a drawback

同義詞
  • nevertheless

    more formal and purely concessive; does not introduce a completely new point, only a counter-argument

  • however

    similar in function but more common; 'at the same time' often adds a balancing perspective rather than a direct contradiction

  • on the other hand

    more explicitly contrastive; suggests an opposing view rather than a qualifier

文法句型

[statement A]. At the same time, [contrasting statement B].

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2 (SIMULTANEOUSLY): sense 1 does not talk about events occurring together. It introduces a separate, often contrasting idea. The phrase can appear at the start of a sentence or after a comma. Frequently used in spoken and written argumentation to acknowledge the other side of a case.

常見錯誤

❌I was cooking, at the same time, my phone rang.
✅I was cooking when my phone rang.
💡When describing two simultaneous events, use sense 2 (SIMULTANEOUSLY), not the concessive sense 1.
❌At the same time, she is a doctor.' (when no prior statement exists)
✅She is very busy. At the same time, she volunteers at a clinic.
💡Sense 1 requires an earlier statement to contrast with.

2. used to say that two or more actions or events take place together, within the s

2.慣用語A2
釋義

used to say that two or more actions or events take place together, within the same moment or period — for example, carrying two bags while walking, or two shows starting at 8 p.m.

例句

Sirin was chopping vegetables while talking on the phone at the same time.

two simultaneous actions with 'while'

Two meetings were scheduled at the same time, so Andrei chose one to attend.

同義詞
  • simultaneously

    more formal; common in academic and technical writing

  • at once

    slightly less common than 'at the same time'; can also mean 'immediately' in other contexts

  • together

    broader meaning — can also mean 'in the same place' or 'in cooperation'; context determines the temporal reading

反義詞

文法句型

[subject] [verb A] and [verb B] at the same time

[event A] and [event B] happen at the same time

用法筆記

The phrase usually appears at the end of the clause or directly after the verb(s) it modifies. Common with verbs like 'happen', 'occur', 'start', 'arrive', and 'do'. For formal writing, 'simultaneously' is often preferred, especially in academic or technical contexts.

常見錯誤

❌I ate dinner, at the same time, I watched TV.' (missing conjunction)
✅I ate dinner and watched TV at the same time.
💡Use 'and' to connect the two actions when 'at the same time' comes at the end.