At the same time means simultaneously, and it can also mean however or on the other hand. In the first meaning, two actions happen at one moment. In the second, the phrase adds a point that balances what you've just said; this is a common way to build an argument in an essay.
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do A and B at the same time; at the same time as + noun/clause; A. At the same time, + contrasting point
- I can't cook dinner and help you with your homework at the same time.
- Our flights land at the same time, so let's share a taxi from the airport.
- Working from home saves time. At the same time, it can feel quite lonely.
What changed
First versionOnline courses are flexible. In the same time, they require a lot of self-discipline.
RevisionOnline courses are flexible. At the same time, they require a lot of self-discipline.
The phrase is fixed, and in both meanings it takes at, as in at that time or at the moment. In the same time isn't used: a native speaker wouldn't say it to mean “on the other hand”.
To say what an action coincided with, put as after the phrase: I finished the test at the same time as Tom. With might seem logical here, but at the same time with is a mistake.
Your turn
The book is very funny and, ___, surprisingly sad in places.
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at the same time — The sentence is about two qualities of one book: it's funny and, at the same time, sad, so at the same time. Meanwhile means “during this time” and refers to a different event going on in parallel, not to features of one thing.
Describe a plus and a minus of something in your life: your job, your town or a habit. Move from the plus to the minus with at the same time.
My new job pays well. At the same time, the commute takes almost two hours a day.
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