a specific instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular moment in time that is distinct or defined. Example: "At a specific instant, the light turned green, and the cars began to move."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The calculations done by a chip are timed by this tiny clock, so that answers can be produced at a specific instant and permit the next logical step to proceed.

The New York Times - Tech

His new work, composed for a soprano, a tenor and six instrumentalists, lingers upon a specific instant in that story: the moment Orpheus turns to view Eurydice, thereby consigning her to oblivion.

The New York Times

A microsymbol is created from a few single sensor inputs at a specific instant of time.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

At a specific instant, we assume that there are n different secondary users simultaneously sensing the idle spectrum (i.e., channel) of the primary user.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

System state at a specific instant of time is captured by the resources available at that instant and the computations which are being accommodated.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Over the long term, if the environment is stationary, the average value of transmissions will be K/2, but for the reporting at a specific instant, this will depend on the specific distributions of the fading from the primary source to the sensors.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

However, although the algorithms average ranking of other pages produces the same hierarchy as a classical network, the quantum hierarchy may be different at any specific instant.

MIT Technology Review

Beyond all those flash subjects, though, the thrust of the book is something much larger than any specific instant.

Vice

Considering the online admission control, our test requires the current time instant and the available slack at a specific time instant.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

The presence of fading will cause the received signal power at a specific time instant to be a random variable.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We simulate a discrete time system over several iterations and generate a burst of user arrival at a specific time instant during the simulation time.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental conditions or data collection, use "a specific instant" to clearly indicate the exact timing of measurements or observations. For example, "The sensor readings were recorded at a specific instant during the experiment."

Common error

Avoid using "a specific instant" excessively in narrative writing, as it can sound overly technical or clinical. Opt for more evocative language to describe moments in time, such as "at that moment" or "suddenly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific instant" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It denotes a particular moment in time that is distinct from others. As Ludwig AI notes, its use is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific instant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to denote a precise moment in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function ranges from neutral to formal registers. Usage is particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when precision is needed, especially in technical or analytical writing, but avoid overuse in narrative contexts where more evocative language might be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "a particular moment" for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular moment

Replaces "instant" with "moment", offering a slightly less formal tone.

a precise point in time

Substitutes "specific" with "precise" and rephrases "instant" as "point in time" for increased emphasis on accuracy.

a given moment

Uses "given" to indicate a particular, specified moment.

a certain time

Replaces "specific instant" with the more general "certain time".

a defined moment

Focuses on the defined or demarcated nature of the moment.

a unique point in time

Highlights the distinct and singular aspect of the instant.

a fixed instant

Emphasizes the immutability or pre-determined nature of the instant.

a discrete moment

Stresses the separate and distinct nature of the instant.

a pinpoint in time

Uses a metaphor to indicate a very precise and exact moment.

a temporal point

More formally expresses the idea of a specific point related to time.

FAQs

What does "a specific instant" mean?

The phrase "a specific instant" refers to a particular, clearly defined moment in time. It is used to emphasize the precision or particularity of the moment being described.

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

You can use "a specific instant" when you need to refer to a precise point in time. For example, "The data was captured at "a precise point in time" during the reaction."

What are some alternatives to "a specific instant"?

Alternatives include "a particular moment", "a given moment", or "a certain time", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "a specific instant" formal or informal?

The phrase "a specific instant" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both academic and professional writing, but might sound out of place in very informal conversations. Use "a particular moment" for a less formal tone.