30+ Other Ways to Say “at the Time” (110+ Examples)

Without a doubt, finding the right words to describe a past moment helps your stories shine. You want to be clear, simple, and direct when you talk. I promise to help you pick the perfect phrase for your needs. Whether you are writing a letter or just chatting with a friend, these simple options will make you sound great.

“At the Time” in Casual Stories

Back Then

Talking about your past is fun, especially when you share old memories. You can use this phrase to set the scene for a story. It works well because it sounds natural, like you are just chatting over coffee. Friends love hearing about what you did, and how you felt, back when you were young. It brings a nice, warm feeling to conversations.

• Back then, we walked to school every single day.
• Life felt much slower back then, didn’t it?
• People dressed quite differently back then, I think.
• Everything was so new back then, for both of us.

In Those Days

Selecting this choice shows you are looking back at a specific, longer period. It helps listeners understand that things were different for a while. You might use it to talk about fashion, work, or even old habits. It makes the past feel like a distinct chapter, which is great for telling long tales. Your friends will easily follow your timeline now.

• In those days, we did not have any cell phones.
• Life was tough in those days, but we stayed happy.
• Many families lived in those days with much less stuff.
• Everyone knew their neighbors well in those days, for sure.

During That Period

Using this makes your point clear when you want to mention a specific span. It sounds a bit more organized, like you are explaining history to a buddy. You can use it when talking about your job or a school project. It helps the listener track exactly when things happened. This phrase is very helpful for making your stories feel really solid.

• During that period, the store stayed open all night long.
• Prices were very low during that period, luckily for us.
• We moved three times during that period, it was crazy.
• She studied hard during that period, to get good grades.

Meanwhile

Picking this word is perfect when you mention two things happening together. It connects your thoughts smoothly, so the story flows well. You use it to show that something else was going on elsewhere. It keeps the listener interested in all parts of your tale. It is a very handy word for adding extra detail to your funny or serious stories.

• Meanwhile, the dog ran out the door to chase squirrels.
• The sun set, meanwhile, we started to cook the dinner.
• She read a book, meanwhile, he worked on the car.
• Everyone waited, meanwhile, the storm started to get loud.

Simultaneously

Choosing this word sounds a little bit fancy, but it is clear. You can use it when you want to show two things share the same moment. It works for tasks, like cooking while you clean. Your friends will get the point fast, even if it sounds smart. It adds a nice rhythm to your sentence, making it sound very professional indeed.

• They spoke simultaneously, which made us all laugh very hard.
• We arrived simultaneously, even though we drove different paths today.
• Plants grow simultaneously with the weeds in my messy yard.
• Sounds came simultaneously, from both the hallway and the room.

Concurrent With

Selecting this shows you are linking two events that overlap. It is good for explaining why something changed in your life. You might use it to talk about your work and your hobbies. It sounds balanced, which helps your listener understand your busy schedule. Your stories will feel very neat, and easy to follow, when you use this phrase today.

• The rain was concurrent with the start of the game.
• My worry was concurrent with the news of the move.
• His trip was concurrent with the big holiday last year.
• Change was concurrent with the new boss at the shop.

While That Happened

Using this makes your story feel like it is happening live. You can show that you were watching or listening to the action. It is great for drama, or for keeping someone on the edge of their seat. It helps keep the pace moving, so nobody gets bored. Use it when you want to paint a clear picture for your friends.

• While that happened, the lights went out in the hall.
• We sat quiet while that happened, to hear the sound.
• You were busy while that happened, so you missed it.
• Nobody moved while that happened, it was a weird scene.

As Things Stood

Picking this gives a clear update on a situation. You use it when you want to explain the state of affairs. It works well if you are giving advice, or telling someone how a project went. It keeps your tone steady and calm. Your friends will appreciate how you clearly lay out the facts for them right now.

• As things stood, we had no money left to spend.
• Everything looked good as things stood, in my own view.
• As things stood, nobody knew what the right choice was.
• We were ready as things stood, for the big event.

Throughout That Time

Selecting this emphasizes how long an event lasted. You can use it to talk about a rough patch, or a happy vacation. It shows that the feeling stayed the same for a long while. It is a strong phrase that carries weight. Your stories will sound very serious and meaningful when you use these words with your close friends.

• Throughout that time, she worked hard to finish her degree.
• We felt tired throughout that time, from all the work.
• Music played throughout that time, to keep us all awake.
• Throughout that time, the sky stayed gray and very cold.

“At the Time” in Professional Reports

Back in Those Days

Choosing this is a bit relaxed for a report, but it works well. You use it when you want to keep the tone friendly. It makes your facts feel accessible, so your team can understand them easily. It bridges the gap between hard data and a real human story. Your readers will appreciate the simple language you use here today.

• Back in those days, the company focused on new goals.
• We saw growth back in those days, despite the risks.
• Back in those days, the team was quite small indeed.
• Sales were strong back in those days, for the firm.

Currently

Using this word is the best way to say now. It is direct and clear. You use it when you describe the status of a project. It leaves no room for confusion, which is perfect for business. Your team will know exactly where things stand. It is a very safe and solid word to use for your daily updates.

• Currently, the office is under a lot of new changes.
• We are hiring currently, to fill the open spots now.
• Currently, the plan is to finish by next week, maybe.
• Work is hard currently, but we keep pushing forward now.

During That Interval

Picking this phrase adds a nice, clear touch to your work. You use it to define a block of time. It sounds professional without being too stuffy. Your readers will follow your points well. It helps to keep your writing organized, which is a goal for everyone. It makes your professional report look polished, clean, and very easy to read.

• During that interval, the team met twice to talk plans.
• Costs stayed low during that interval, which was very good.
• We saw progress during that interval, in all key areas.
• Performance was steady during that interval, for the whole crew.

As of Then

Selecting this gives a clear marker in time for your data. You use it to show what you knew at a specific point. It is very helpful for reports that track progress. It prevents misunderstandings about your facts. Your team will find it easy to trust your work when you use these words to explain your clear progress.

• As of then, the project was ahead of the plan.
• We were ready as of then, to launch the site.
• Everything was set as of then, for the big launch.
• As of then, the budget was still very much balanced.

Pending That

Using this is great when you wait for a result. You use it to show that things are on hold. It sounds very official and calm. Your team will know you are aware of the delay. It shows you have a plan for the next steps. It is a smart way to manage expectations without sounding too worried or stressed.

• Pending that, we will pause all of our other work.
• We are waiting pending that, to move the next step.
• Approval is needed pending that, for the new hired team.
• Pending that, the system will run as it does today.

With That in Mind

Picking this helps you transition from past to future thoughts. You use it to explain your reasoning clearly. It connects your history to your current goals. It makes your argument much stronger. Your readers will enjoy how you link ideas together. It is a helpful phrase for making sure everyone is on the same page for the future.

• With that in mind, we can improve our output now.
• Everyone agreed with that in mind, to change the path.
• With that in mind, the boss made a new rule.
• We acted with that in mind, to save more money.

Throughout the Duration

Selecting this shows you are looking at the whole timeline. You use it to summarize a long project. It sounds very thorough and professional. It lets people know you paid close attention. Your reports will feel complete, and your team will feel informed. It is a great phrase for closing a section of your report with style and grace.

• Throughout the duration, the staff worked with great care daily.
• Issues popped up throughout the duration, but we fixed them.
• Throughout the duration, the clients were happy with the work.
• We kept focus throughout the duration, of the long contract.

“At the Time” in Creative Writing

Back Then

Choosing this phrase brings a sense of nostalgia to your writing. You use it to ground your reader in the past. It creates a mood of looking back at something special. It makes your character feel real. Readers love to imagine the past, and these words help them see it clearly. It is a warm, simple start to a story.

• Back then, the world felt like a much smaller place.
• She remembered the smell of rain back then, so clearly.
• Nobody cared about the time back then, in that town.
• He found his old watch back then, in the attic.

In Those Days

Using this helps you build a world for your reader. You use it to describe a different life or a new setting. It gives a sense of history. It paints a picture of a bygone era. Your story will feel rich and deep. It is a very effective way to show your reader how much has changed since that day.

• In those days, the woods were full of wild ghosts.
• People lived simply in those days, near the quiet river.
• In those days, hope was all we had to share.
• Every night in those days, the music played very loud.

During That Time

Picking this is a classic way to move your plot along. You use it to bridge moments. It is simple, clear, and very easy for the reader. It keeps the story moving without any extra fuss. It is the perfect tool for when you need to jump forward or talk about a long process in your character’s life.

• During that time, she learned to speak three new languages.
• He grew tall during that time, away from his home.
• Everything changed during that time, for the whole small family.
• During that time, the winter never seemed to end here.

At That Moment

Selecting this is great for high tension or drama. You use it to freeze the action for your reader. It makes them wait for what happens next. It is very effective in a mystery or a thriller. It helps you focus on a single, important action. Your readers will be hooked, wondering what the character will do after that moment.

• At that moment, she knew she had to run fast.
• Everything stopped at that moment, when the bells rang out.
• He felt scared at that moment, deep in his heart.
• At that moment, the secret was finally out for everyone.

Following That

Using this helps your reader follow the cause and effect. You use it to show what happens right after an event. It keeps the timeline clean. It is a very natural way to tell a story. You won’t confuse your reader with this clear, easy phrase. It is a great way to keep your plot moving in the right direction.

• Following that, the sky turned a very deep shade purple.
• We felt sad following that, for many long, cold days.
• Following that, he left the house without any goodbye note.
• She felt better following that, after the long talk ended.

Shortly Thereafter

Picking this sounds a bit more literary for your story. You use it to add a nice flow to your sentences. It shows that time passed, but not too much. It is great for connecting two scenes. Your readers will appreciate the smooth pace of your writing. It makes your narrative sound very skilled, and it keeps the reader moving forward.

• Shortly thereafter, the birds began to sing their morning song.
• We heard a noise shortly thereafter, from the dark yard.
• Shortly thereafter, the letter arrived with a bright red seal.
• Everything settled shortly thereafter, into a very calm pace now.

Before Long

Choosing this is a great way to speed up your story. You use it to show that change came quickly. It creates a sense of anticipation. It is very useful when you want to skip over the boring parts. Your reader will feel like they are flying through the plot. It is a very exciting way to keep the energy high.

• Before long, the house was full of happy, loud kids.
• We were lost before long, in the deep dark woods.
• Before long, the sun went down behind the tall hills.
• She found the key before long, under the old mat.

In the Meantime

Using this shows you are juggling two parts of your plot. You use it to explain what other characters were doing. It adds depth to your world. It helps the reader understand the bigger picture. Your story will feel alive with this phrase. It is a very clever way to show different actions happening at the same time.

• In the meantime, the cat slept soundly by the fire.
• We packed bags in the meantime, to prepare for travel.
• In the meantime, he searched for a place to hide.
• She wrote a song in the meantime, to pass hours.

While Then

Selecting this is a bit unusual, but it works for style. You use it to create a poetic feel. It highlights the moment in a simple way. It sounds a bit like old stories. Your readers might enjoy this unique choice. It is a good way to slow down the prose and focus on the feeling of a specific, quiet time in life.

• While then, the world seemed to hold its breath tight.
• Stars shined bright while then, over the silent, cold lake.
• While then, he thought about all he had lost there.
• Peace came while then, to the weary, tired young man.

Throughout That Span

Picking this emphasizes the length of a period in your story. You use it to show that something lasted a long time. It adds weight to your description. It helps the reader feel the weight of the years. It is a strong, simple way to describe long, hard, or happy times in a narrative. It makes your writing feel very grounded and real.

• Throughout that span, she never once lost her true hope.
• We waited throughout that span, for a sign of help.
• Throughout that span, the clock ticked away in the hall.
• He grew stronger throughout that span, in his own way.

“At the Time” in Quick Emails

Back Then

Choosing this is great when you talk about old plans. You use it to refer to a past meeting. It is very casual and works well for team notes. It helps clear up why you made a choice. Your colleagues will understand your reasoning without needing long, complex sentences. It is a very fast way to share your past thoughts.

• Back then, we planned to finish the task by June.
• I was busy back then, so I missed the call.
• Back then, the policy was a bit different, I think.
• We were excited back then, for the new big project.

At That Point

Using this is perfect for tracking progress in your work. You use it when you explain what happened during a project. It is direct and professional. It lets your boss know you are on top of things. It is very useful for updating your team on the status of your tasks. It keeps your emails very short, sweet, and easy to read.

• At that point, we had all the data we needed.
• I decided to stop at that point, to rethink plans.
• At that point, the cost was within our set budget.
• Everyone agreed at that point, to move ahead with it.

During That Time

Picking this is a simple way to refer to a past event. You use it in a quick note to explain a delay or a success. It is very clear and leaves no questions. Your coworkers will appreciate your brevity. It is a great phrase for keeping your emails professional, clear, and very easy to follow for everyone on your team.

• During that time, I was away on the sick leave.
• We saw great results during that time, from the team.
• During that time, the system had a few small bugs.
• I worked from home during that time, to finish tasks.

As of Then

Selecting this is great when you confirm a fact in an email. You use it to show what was true at a specific time. It is very helpful for avoiding confusion about old data. Your team will know you are precise and accurate. It is a very safe phrase for business emails where clarity is the most important thing for you.

• As of then, the deadline was still set for Friday.
• We had no news as of then, about the hire.
• As of then, the report was done and sent off.
• I knew the facts as of then, to share today.

Meanwhile

Using this is very handy when you explain two side tasks. You use it to show that work is moving on two fronts. It is short and very clear. Your team will love how you keep them updated on multiple things at once. It is a very efficient way to write quick emails while staying very friendly and informative too.

• Meanwhile, I will finish the slides for the big deck.
• The team is working meanwhile, on the new design plan.
• I am calling them meanwhile, to check on the cost.
• Meanwhile, please take a look at the attached file now.

For That Duration

Choosing this is great when you mention how long something lasted. You use it to give a quick summary. It is very clear and easy to understand. Your team will know exactly what you mean. It is a simple way to add detail to your email without making it too long or hard to read for your busy coworkers today.

• For that duration, we saved a lot on our costs.
• I was out for that duration, of the small project.
• For that duration, we kept the office quiet and calm.
• We had no issues for that duration, of the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope this list helps you speak with more ease and fun. You now have many great ways to talk about the past. Just pick the words that fit your story best. Keep it simple, stay clear, and enjoy how you use language. You are doing a really great job today.