Cool MateAt the same time vs In the meantime
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
At the same time
Top 2,000 (common)
In the meantime
Top 2,000 (common)
| At the same time | In the meantime | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //æt ðə seɪm taɪm//🇺🇸 //æt ðə seɪm taɪm// | 🇬🇧 //ɪn ðə ˈmiːnˌtaɪm//🇺🇸 //ɪn ðə ˈmiːnˌtaɪm// |
| Meaning | Occurring simultaneously or together. | During a period of time when something is happening. |
| Example | They left the house at the same time. | I'll prepare dinner; in the meantime, could you set the table? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | do two things at the same time, speak at the same time, work at the same time, occur at the same time, feel at the same time | in the meantime, stay busy in the meantime, in the meantime activities |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'at the same time' with 'at the same moment'., Using it with only one subject., Placing it incorrectly in the sentence. | Using it inappropriately in formal writing without context., Confusing it with 'meanwhile', which has a similar but slightly different nuance., Using it at the beginning of a sentence without a clear time reference. |
| Usage notes | Use when describing events happening together. Avoid in very formal contexts; more suitable for everyday conversations. | Used to refer to a period of time between two events. Common in both spoken and written English. Appropriate in casual conversations and formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: At the same time vs In the meantime
What's the difference between At the same time and In the meantime?
At the same time: Occurring simultaneously or together. In the meantime: During a period of time when something is happening.
Can you show an example of each?
At the same time: They left the house at the same time. In the meantime: I'll prepare dinner; in the meantime, could you set the table?
Can I use At the same time and In the meantime interchangeably?
Not always. At the same time and In the meantime 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.