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Monseul Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

at the time vs back then

Hello again,

I was told that 'at the time' can't be used in a past sentence. Instead, I should use 'back then'.

However, I think that 'back then' would be more commonly used when referring to a duration of time, long ago.

I think sentence #1 sounds more natural than #2...what do you guys think?

1) At the time that my friend called me last night, I was busy so I couldn't answer the phone.

2) My friend called me last night, back then I was busy so I couldn't answer the phone.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

You were told wrong. "at the time" is almost always used in a sentence with a past tense. "back then" refers to an entire period of time in the past, as you say, so it cannot be used as in your second sentence.

— CalifJim

  • You were told wrong.
  • "at the time" is almost always used in a sentence with a past tense.
  • "back then" refers to an entire period of time in the past, as you say, so it cannot be used as in your second sentence.
  • The first sentence is the correct one.
  • CJ
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2 Answers
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You were told wrong. "at the time" is almost always used in a sentence with a past tense. "back then" refers to an entire period of time in the past, as you say, so it cannot be used as in your second sentence. The first sentence is the correct one.

CJ
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In the number 1 sentence, the use of 'at the time' is past tense which is definitely correct. We can use 'at the time' for past tense and for future tense as well.

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