In that instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In that instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific moment in time when something occurs or a realization happens. Example: "In that instant, she knew she had to make a choice that would change her life forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In that instant, life becomes luminous again.

The New Yorker

In that instant lies your salvation.

The New Yorker

In that instant, I suddenly knew.

The New York Times

In that instant, satellite espionage was born.

The New York Times

In that instant, he lost the election.

The New Yorker

In that instant, the world shrank.

The New York Times

In that instant, I made up my mind.

The New York Times - Magazine

In that instant, I knew that she remembered me.

The New Yorker

In that instant, something in me was jarred.

The New York Times

In that instant, the Jets looked fresher, renewed.

The New York Times - Sports

In that instant, he recalls, "I became born again".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In that instant" to create a sense of immediacy and drama in your writing, particularly when describing a sudden realization, decision, or event. It's effective for highlighting pivotal moments.

Common error

Avoid using "In that instant" too frequently in descriptive passages, as it can disrupt the flow and make the writing feel repetitive. Opt for more varied phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In that instant" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the precise timing of an action or event. It introduces a sense of immediacy and suddenness. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "In that instant" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that adds immediacy and emphasis to a particular moment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it effectively highlights turning points or sudden realizations in narratives. While versatile, avoid overuse to maintain writing flow. Alternatives like "at that moment" or "immediately" can offer variety. It holds a neutral register and can be used across diverse types of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At that moment

Replaces "instant" with "moment", offering a slightly less abrupt feel.

In that second

Substitutes "instant" with "second", emphasizing the brevity of the time frame.

In that split second

Adds "split" to further highlight the extremely short duration.

The moment that

Slightly alters the structure while retaining the core meaning of a specific point in time.

Immediately then

Uses "immediately" to convey the lack of delay, changing the structure a bit.

Right then

Emphasizes immediacy with a more casual tone.

At once

Offers a concise way to express the immediate occurrence of something.

Instantly

A single-word adverb conveying the same meaning.

In a flash

Uses a more figurative expression to describe the speed of the event.

Without hesitation

Focuses on the lack of delay in action or decision, shifting the emphasis slightly.

FAQs

How can I use "In that instant" in a sentence?

Use "In that instant" to describe a sudden change, realization, or decision. For example, "In that instant, I knew I had to quit my job."

What are some alternatives to "In that instant"?

You can use alternatives like "at that moment", "immediately", or "in that second" depending on the context.

Is "In that instant" formal or informal?

"In that instant" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it's often found in narrative or descriptive contexts where emphasis on a specific moment is desired.

What is the difference between "In that instant" and "At that moment"?

While similar, "in that instant" often emphasizes the suddenness and brevity of the event or realization more strongly than "At that moment", which can be used for a slightly longer or more general timeframe.