at a given instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a given instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment in time, often in discussions of physics, mathematics, or any context where timing is relevant. Example: "The velocity of the object can be calculated at a given instant to determine its speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That means it will be harder to distinguish genuine public opinion from whatever the online horde happens to be saying at a given instant.

The New York Times - Science

Through a series of diffractions and amplifications, however, it eventually shines brighter than a collapsing star, and has several hundred times more power than the world's electric plants produce at a given instant.

The New Yorker

The fraction of time that a particular cluster spends as a liquid is precisely the same as the fraction of clusters of that same type within a large collection that are liquid at a given instant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At a given instant each stream line experiences a different compression process through the combustor.

Applied Energy

The velocity correlation function at a given instant is taken as the Eulerian one.

Journal of Computational Physics

The set of such signals collected at a given instant of time constitutes a snapshot.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

This implies that at a given instant the workstations have access to only a portion of the workpieces.

Computers & Operations Research

However, at a given instant, multiple sensor nodes might detect one or more events, resulting in high traffic.

Computer Networks

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Nucleosome positioning describes the precise location of a given nucleosome, whereas nucleosome occupancy refers to the proportion of molecules bearing a nucleosome at a specific location, at any given instant [ 5].

Clinical Epigenetics

A nonpolar molecule is one whose charge distribution is spherically symmetric when averaged over time; since the charges oscillate, a temporary dipole moment exists at any given instant in a so-called nonpolar molecule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The power of the 405-nm laser (typical range 0 1 W cm-2) was adjusted during image acquisition so that at any given instant, only a small, optically resolvable fraction of the fluorophores in the sample were in the emitting state.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a given instant" to clearly define a precise point in time when describing events, processes, or states in technical or analytical writing. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at a given instant" in informal or narrative contexts where simpler alternatives like "at that moment" or "then" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a given instant" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the precise timing of an action, event, or state. It emphasizes a particular point in time under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a given instant" is a correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies a precise moment in time, particularly in scientific and technical contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in written English. While suitable for formal writing, it might sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using alternatives like "at a specific moment" or "at that time" for less formal settings. Remember to employ this phrase when accuracy in timing is essential for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a specific moment

This alternative highlights the specificity of the time being referenced.

at a particular point in time

This option emphasizes the temporal aspect and singularity of the moment.

at any given moment

This alternative broadens the scope to include all possible moments.

in that instant

This option creates a sense of immediacy and focus on a single moment.

at that precise moment

This phrase stresses the accuracy and exactness of the timing.

in a split second

This alternative conveys the brevity and quickness of the moment.

at one point in time

This option is more general and less focused on a very short duration.

at this moment in time

This alternative emphasizes the present and current timing.

in the blink of an eye

This phrase indicates the extreme speed with which something occurs.

on this occasion

This option refers to a specific event or happening, not just a time.

FAQs

How can I use "at a given instant" in a sentence?

Use "at a given instant" to specify a precise point in time, particularly when discussing scientific, mathematical, or technical subjects. For example, "The position of the particle can be determined "at a given instant"."

What are some alternatives to "at a given instant"?

You can use alternatives like "at a specific moment", "at a particular point in time", or "at any given moment" depending on the level of precision and context.

Is "at a given instant" formal or informal?

"At a given instant" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in academic, scientific, or technical writing. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "at a given instant" and "at any given instant"?

"At a given instant" refers to a single, specific point in time. "At any given instant" implies that the statement is true for all moments, rather than just one particular time.