a moment when

USAGE SUMMARY

"a moment when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a single event that happened at a specific point in time. Example sentence: I remember a moment when I felt truly alive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a moment when you just arrive".

The Guardian - Books

There was a moment when De La Soul was it.

The New Yorker

This is a moment when millions stop and watch.

The New York Times

That was a moment when sound and motion jelled.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a moment when America should be proud.

The New York Times

Sort of a moment, when you think about it.

The New York Times

There is always a moment when a fashion dies.

The New York Times

Was there a moment when you realized you were back?

The New York Times

There isn't a moment when "Shindig" isn't about dancing.

The New York Times - Arts

"There comes a moment when people's emotions turn to anger.

The Guardian

Was there ever a moment when you felt at peace?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a moment when" to pinpoint a specific time during which an event or realization occurs. It adds clarity and precision to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject of "a moment when" is unclear or acted upon. Ensure the subject is active and directly involved in the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a moment when" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a main clause to a subordinate clause that specifies a particular time or circumstance. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is widely applicable in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a moment when" is a versatile phrase used to introduce clauses that describe a specific point in time or circumstance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's particularly frequent in News & Media and Academic contexts. When writing, it's important to focus on clear, active voice construction to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "an instance where" or "a time that", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, this phrase serves to pinpoint and emphasize specific incidents in a narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an instance where

Emphasizes a particular occurrence or event instead of a specific time.

an occasion when

Highlights a specific event or happening.

an episode when

Highlights a specific event that is part of a larger series or story.

a time that

More generic reference to time, broader than a specific moment.

a point at which

More formal and precise reference to a specific time or stage.

a circumstance where

Similar to "a situation in which", but emphasizes the surrounding conditions.

a situation in which

Focuses on the circumstances surrounding an event, rather than the timing.

a case where

Highlights a specific instance or example.

a period during which

Refers to a longer span of time where something occurs.

a stage in which

Focuses on a phase or step in a process or sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "a moment when" in a sentence?

"A moment when" introduces a clause that describes a specific point in time. For example, "There was "a moment when" I realized I needed to change my career path".

What are some alternatives to "a moment when"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an instance where", "a time that", or "an occasion when".

Is it correct to say "a moment where" instead of "a moment when"?

While "where" refers to a place, "when" refers to a time. Therefore, "a moment when" is generally more appropriate when discussing a specific point in time. However, "a moment where" could be used metaphorically if you're describing a situation.

What's the difference between "a moment when" and "a period when"?

"A moment when" refers to a specific point in time, while "a period when" refers to a longer duration or span of time.