"at the same time" vs "meanwhile"

Question

"at the same time" vs "meanwhile"

Both "at the same time" and "meanwhile" are correct phrases used to indicate that two actions are happening concurrently. They can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but there are slight differences in usage. "At the same time" is more formal and emphasizes the simultaneous nature of the actions, while "meanwhile" is more informal and suggests a temporal relationship between the actions.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

This phrase is used to show that two actions are occurring simultaneously. It is often used in formal writing or speech.

Examples:

She was cooking dinner, talking on the phone, and watching TV at the same time.
He was studying for his exams and working part-time at the same time.
At the same time, the company was facing financial difficulties.
The team members were arguing with each other at the same time.
The children were playing in the garden at the same time.

Alternatives:

simultaneously
concurrently
in unison
all together
in parallel

This phrase is used to show that while one action is taking place, another action is happening at the same time. It is often used in informal contexts.

Examples:

She was preparing dinner. Meanwhile, he was setting the table.
The team was discussing the project. Meanwhile, the deadline was approaching.
I was waiting for the bus. Meanwhile, it started to rain.
She was shopping for groceries. Meanwhile, her husband was at home cooking dinner.
The children were playing outside. Meanwhile, the adults were having a meeting inside.

Alternatives:

in the meantime
in the interim
during that time
at that moment
all the while

Answer 1

at the same time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that two actions are happening concurrently.

Answer 2

meanwhile

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that two actions are happening concurrently with a temporal relationship.

"at the same time" vs "meanwhile"

at the same time

meanwhile

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