a precise moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precise moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific point in time that is clearly defined or exact. Example: "She captured a precise moment in her photograph that conveyed the emotion of the event perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

What follows, though, is something different, a story that reflects a precise moment in American history.

The New Yorker

The millennium bug is technical and will bite at a precise moment.

The Economist

PINPOINTING a precise moment when the world changes is never easy, even in retrospect.

The Economist

It shows that there's a precise moment that's best for practicing your lines.

Harvard Business Review

A picture can trigger a buried memory and recall a precise moment in time much more rapidly than words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sometimes, at a precise moment in history, all it takes is for one person to stand up.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

This intricate shot of a person framed by an annular eclipse was set up hours in advance by Colleen Pinski and taken with a zoom lens at a very precise moment during the 2012 annular eclipse.

Forbes

Here, too, however, he is soon brought to earth in a wonderfully precise moment (just before the Hecuba soliloquy) in which theatrical make-believe touches too roughly upon real circumstance.

The New York Times

Mr. Nagin rang a bell at the precise moment a major levee broke two years ago, and the musician Irvin Mayfield, who lost his father in the storm, played a raucous and angry dirge on his trumpet in the sweltering heat.

The New York Times

For example, a scene in which a character is walking down a road at the precise moment when it is hit by an unheard-of weather phenomenon?

The Guardian - Books

And now he says that he has developed something that goes even further: a passive system that measures exactly who is in a room or automobile at the precise moment a television or radio commercial is broadcast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precise moment" to emphasize the exact timing or critical nature of an event. For instance, in scientific contexts, it highlights the importance of capturing data at a specific point.

Common error

Avoid using "a precise moment" in casual conversation where a less formal phrase like "right now" or "at that time" would be more appropriate. Using overly formal language in informal settings can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precise moment" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to indicate the specific timing of an event or action. It specifies when something occurs, adding clarity and emphasis to the timing. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precise moment" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to denote a specific point in time. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific domains, it serves to emphasize timing with accuracy. While versatile, it should be used thoughtfully in informal settings to avoid sounding stilted. Alternatives such as ""a specific time"" or ""an exact instant"" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific time

Replaces "precise" with "specific", indicating a particular but not necessarily exact time.

an exact instant

Substitutes "moment" with "instant" and "precise" with "exact", emphasizing the brevity and accuracy of the time.

a particular juncture

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "moment" with "juncture" and "precise" with "particular".

a defined point in time

Replaces "precise moment" with a more descriptive phrase indicating a clear and specific time.

a critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of the moment using "critical" instead of "precise".

a given instance

Offers a more general alternative, focusing on a specific occurrence rather than its exact timing.

a fleeting second

Highlights the briefness of the moment, using "fleeting second" instead of "precise moment".

the crucial timing

Focuses on the importance of timing, changing the noun-centric phrase to an adjective-noun structure.

the apex

Metaphorically implies the peak or most critical point, deviating from literal time reference.

a turning point

Shifts the focus to the significance of the moment as a catalyst for change, rather than its precise timing.

FAQs

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

Use "a precise moment" to describe a specific point in time when something significant happens. For example: "The photograph captured "a precise moment" of the athlete's victory".

What can I say instead of "a precise moment"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific time", "an exact instant", or "a particular juncture" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to be exact when referring to "a precise moment"?

While "a precise moment" implies accuracy, the degree of exactness depends on the context. In scientific research, it may require pinpoint accuracy, whereas in storytelling, it may simply highlight a pivotal point in time.

What's the difference between "a precise moment" and "a specific moment"?

"A precise moment" suggests greater accuracy and exactness than "a specific moment". "Precise" emphasizes the pinpoint accuracy of the timing, while "specific" simply denotes a particular point in time.