Cool MateSame time vs Simultaneously
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Same time
Top 1,000 (very common)
Simultaneously
Top 2,000 (common)C1adverb
Most common: Same time
| Same time | Simultaneously | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //seɪm taɪm//🇺🇸 //seɪm taɪm// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌsɪmlˈteɪniəsli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌsaɪmlˈteɪniəsli/"]/ |
| Meaning | At the exact moment as something else. | At the same time as something else. |
| Example | We arrived at the party at the same time. | The game will be broadcast simultaneously on TV and radio. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | at the same time, do something at the same time, arrive at the same time | happen simultaneously, simultaneously occur, perform simultaneously |
| Antonyms | different time, another time, separate time | sequentially, consecutively, successively |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: Same time vs Simultaneously
What's the difference between Same time and Simultaneously?
Same time: At the exact moment as something else. Simultaneously: At the same time as something else.
Which is more common: Same time and Simultaneously?
Same time is the most common in everyday English.
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.
Can I use Same time and Simultaneously interchangeably?
Not always. Same time and Simultaneously 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.