all the time vs. at all times

Question

I'd like to know if there's any difference between  "all the time" and "at all times". Thanks.  Ricky

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

AnonymousI'd like to know if there's any difference between
"all the time" and "at all times". Thanks.

Ricky

Yes, "all the time" perceives time as an unbroken block and "all the times" sees it as individual moments.

I cough all the time. (Obviously the coughing is broken by pauses of no coughing, but the persistence of the cough makes the speaker see it as unbroken time)

You need to study for your exams all the time. Don't slacken for a moment.

........

Similar meanings in these teo:

Of all the times I've spent with them, they have never bought a drink.

Each time I have been with them, they have not bought a drink.

On each occasion, I have been with them...

........

Pieanne · Answer

Here's Cambridge's definition of "at all times":

continuously:
When you're at the airport, you should make sure you have your luggage with you at all times.

So I guess its meaning overlapses that of "all the time".

Anonymous · Answer

AnonymousYes, "all the time" perceives time as an unbroken block and "all the times" sees it as individual moments.

Thanks. Can I say that the difference between "all the time" and "at all times" is similar to that between "continuously" and "continually"?

Ricky

Anonymous · Answer

At all time or at all times?

all the time vs. at all times

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