a fleeting instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very brief moment in time, often emphasizing its transitory nature. Example: "In a fleeting instant, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

For a fleeting instant, it almost seemed possible.

The New York Times

It wasn't a fleeting instant captured by a photographer.

The Guardian - Opinion

How often has a $5.99 sequined fedora made anyone happy for more than a fleeting instant?

The New York Times

Attention alternates between photographs that represent a fleeting instant and those that appear carefully planned.

The New York Times

And for a fleeting instant, like the overjoyed Scotsman, we forget ourselves.

The Guardian - Sport

The fruit was so ripe, so rich, that for a fleeting instant the flavor seemed fully sweet.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A fleeting moment, perhaps, one of a million instants that make up a day.

The New York Times

Everyone has a fleeting moment of stardom.

Independent

It's just a fleeting moment.

The Guardian

For a fleeting moment, they were on common ground".

The New York Times

Really, he's in there for a fleeting second.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fleeting instant" when you want to emphasize how quickly something happens and its ephemeral nature. It's especially effective in narrative writing to create a sense of urgency or nostalgia.

Common error

While "a fleeting instant" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise language if greater accuracy is needed. In those settings "brief moment" may be a better replacement.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase: "a fleeting instant" modifies a verb or action, indicating the short duration of that action. Ludwig examples show it describing events that occur quickly and are gone almost as soon as they appear. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fleeting instant" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a very brief moment in time. Ludwig examples show it's commonly found in news and media contexts to emphasize the ephemeral nature of events. While it isn't a particularly frequent phrase, its meaning is clear and its usage consistent. Alternatives include "a brief moment" or "a passing second". Ludwig AI confirms its validity, making it a reliable choice for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a passing moment

Highlights the transient quality of the occurrence.

a momentary glimpse

Focuses on the visual aspect of something seen for a very short time.

a quick instance

Uses a slightly less common synonym for 'moment'.

a brief flash

Emphasizes the sudden and short-lived nature of something.

a transient episode

Emphasizes that the occurrence is temporary and self-contained.

a split second

Specifies an extremely short duration.

a short interval

Focuses on the brief duration between two points in time.

a temporary blip

Suggests a minor and short-lived deviation from the norm.

a sudden spurt

Implies a brief burst of activity or energy.

a concise duration

Emphasizes the brief length of time.

FAQs

How can I use "a fleeting instant" in a sentence?

You can use "a fleeting instant" to describe something that happens very quickly. For example, "In "a fleeting instant", the bird disappeared into the trees."

What can I say instead of "a fleeting instant"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief moment", "a passing second", or "a momentary glimpse" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a fleeting moment" instead of "a fleeting instant"?

Yes, "a fleeting moment" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "a fleeting instant". Both phrases convey the idea of something happening very briefly.

What is the difference between "a fleeting instant" and "a specific instant"?

"A fleeting instant" refers to a very brief moment in time, emphasizing its transience. "A specific instant", on the other hand, refers to a particular point in time, without necessarily implying that it is short.