Cool MateSame time vs Simultaneously vs Together
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Same time
Simultaneously
Together
| Same time | Simultaneously | Together | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //seɪm taɪm//🇺🇸 //seɪm taɪm// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌsɪmlˈteɪniəsli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌsaɪmlˈteɪniəsli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/təˈɡeðə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/təˈɡeðər/"]/ |
| Meaning | At the exact moment as something else. | At the same time as something else. | In one place or doing something with others. |
| Example | We arrived at the party at the same time. | The game will be broadcast simultaneously on TV and radio. | We will work together to complete the project. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb | |
| Collocations | at the same time, do something at the same time, arrive at the same time | happen simultaneously, simultaneously occur, perform simultaneously | come together, work together, stay together, live together |
| Antonyms | different time, another time, separate time | sequentially, consecutively, successively | apart, separately |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'at the same time' as being synonymous in all contexts., Overusing it in formal writing., Using it when the timing is not exact. | Using it incorrectly to mean 'separately'., Confusing it with 'simultaneous' which is an adjective., Misplacing it in a sentence which can alter the meaning. | Confused with 'together' vs 'apart'; forgetting the meaning of isolation., Using 'together' where 'alongside' would be more appropriate., Misplacing it in a sentence; it often goes after the verb. |
| Usage notes | Use 'same time' in casual and formal situations when comparing events. Avoid it in highly technical contexts. | Use 'simultaneously' to describe two or more actions happening at the same time. It works well in both spoken and written contexts but may sound overly formal in casual conversation. | Use 'together' when describing people or things being united or in the same location. It's not used in formal writing; instead, 'jointly' may be preferred. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Same time vs Simultaneously vs Together
What's the difference between Same time, Simultaneously, and Together?
Same time: At the exact moment as something else. Simultaneously: At the same time as something else. Together: In one place or doing something with others.
Which is more advanced: Same time, Simultaneously, and Together?
Simultaneously is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Same time: We arrived at the party at the same time. Simultaneously: The game will be broadcast simultaneously on TV and radio. Together: We will work together to complete the project.
Can I use Same time, Simultaneously, and Together interchangeably?
Not always. Same time, Simultaneously, and Together are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.