"At the time that" is a phrase used to refer to a specific moment or period in the past during which an event or action occurred. It functions as a temporal qualifier and is often used to establish the timeframe in which something took place.
The term "at" in this phrase indicates a specific point or moment, while "the time" refers to a designated period or occurrence of events. "That" is a determiner used to specify or identify a particular instance or occasion. When combined, "at the time that" emphasizes the conjunction of a specific point in time.
This phrase is frequently used in narratives, historical accounts, or descriptions of past events to provide detailed timing or chronological information. It can assist in establishing connections between various events or actions, allowing for a more coherent understanding of the sequence of occurrences.
For example, one might say, "At the time that the company went bankrupt, the CEO had already resigned." Here, the phrase clarifies that the CEO's resignation happened before the company's bankruptcy, highlighting the order of events.
In summary, "at the time that" anchors an event, action, or circumstance to a specific moment or period in the past, aiding in the contextualization and sequencing of past occurrences.
