a specific moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific moment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular point in time that stands out in some way. For example, "I will always remember the specific moment when my son was born."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tesco and Ocado, for example, are the experts at personalising promotions via offers made specifically to an individual at a specific moment in time.

The Guardian

Obs: Was there a specific moment of inspiration?

The Guardian - Books

Polls can capture only a specific moment in time.

The New York Times

He says there was not a specific moment when he decided to be an artist.

The Guardian - Arts

It's about writing as honestly as you can at a specific moment.

The Guardian - Books

Was there a specific moment when Walter herself became a feminist?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I can trace all my songs to a specific moment," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

This summer's show of contemporary Japanese ceramics documents a specific moment of American-Asian interaction.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a specific moment in which I became a woman.

The New York Times

Obs: Was there a specific moment when you were inspired to write the book?

The Guardian - Books

And how do you even settle on a specific moment in history?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events, use "a specific moment" to zoom in on a key turning point or a significant occurrence, making your writing more vivid and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific moment" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms or alternative expressions like "at that time", "in that instance", or "during that period" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific moment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it used to pinpoint particular instances in time or as part of a narrative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific moment" is a versatile phrase used to pinpoint a particular point in time across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating its broad applicability. To enhance writing, use this phrase to emphasize significant instants, but avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "a particular instant" or "a precise point in time". This ensures clarity and maintains reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular instant

Replaces "moment" with "instant", emphasizing the brevity and precise timing.

a precise point in time

Substitutes "specific moment" with a more formal and exact description of time.

a given time

Offers a simpler, more general way to refer to a particular time, losing some specificity.

a certain juncture

Replaces "moment" with "juncture", suggesting a critical or significant point in time.

a defining instant

Highlights the importance of the instant

a key episode

Focuses on the event rather than just the time, implying a notable occurrence.

a discrete time

Replaces "specific moment" with a more technical and separate time

a memorable occasion

Emphasizes the significance and memorability of the event at that time.

that one time

Uses a more casual and less formal way to refer to a particular moment.

a distinct event

Shifts the focus from the timing to the uniqueness and clarity of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific moment" to refer to a particular point in time, such as "I remember "a specific moment" when I knew I wanted to be a writer".

What are some alternatives to "a specific moment"?

Alternatives include "a particular instant", "a precise point in time", or "a defining instant", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a specific time" or "a specific moment"?

Use "a specific moment" when emphasizing a brief, particular point in time. "A specific time" is more general and can refer to a longer duration.

What is the difference between "a special moment" and "a specific moment"?

"A special moment" implies emotional significance or importance, while "a specific moment" simply refers to a particular point in time without necessarily conveying emotional weight.