at each instant

USAGE SUMMARY

"at each instant" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically indicates a recurring, frequent, or regular occurrence of a given event. For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "The teacher reminded the students at each instant to keep their answers concise and on point."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite these arguments, there is a strong feeling that a moving object does move at a well-defined speed at each instant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At each instant, the price of a stock either increases or decreases, and the model assumes fixed probabilities for these events.

The Guardian

A physical process is modeled by ascribing a state (e.g., +1 or −1, spin up or spin down) and giving a rule that determines at each instant how each point changes its state according to the state of its neighbours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first particle continues to move with a speed that is decreasing, proportional at each instant to the distance remaining between it and some given fixed point on the line.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Electricity generation must match the demand at each instant, following seasonal patterns and instantaneous fluctuations.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Accordingly, one cannot get away with simply specifying the definite properties at each instant of time.

SEP

First, the value of an output flow must be defined at each instant.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

The value of an output flow must be defined at each instant.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Thus, in both methods, the groove can be treated at each instant as migrating at constant speed.

Acta Materialia

Second, the area-averaged pressures are calculated by averaging all pressure taps within the area at each instant of time.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Internal/external rotation was visualized by superimposing tangential relative velocity vectors onto bone surfaces at each instant.

Journal of Biomechanics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at each instant" to emphasize that something happens regularly or is evaluated at specific points in time, particularly in scientific or technical contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "at each instant" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "every time" or "constantly" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at each instant" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the timing or frequency of an action or state. It indicates that something happens or is true repeatedly at specific moments. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

News & Media

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at each instant" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that specifies the timing or frequency of an action. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. Its formal register makes it suitable for scientific, academic, and technical contexts where precision is crucial. When writing for more casual audiences, simpler alternatives like "every time" or "constantly" might be more appropriate. Remember that "at each instant" emphasizes regularity and precision at specific points in time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at every moment

Replaces "instant" with "moment", a synonym implying a specific point in time, similar in meaning but with slightly different emphasis.

at every point in time

More explicit and formal, this alternative emphasizes the temporal aspect more directly than the original phrase.

in each moment

Uses "in" instead of "at" with "moment", altering the prepositional emphasis but retaining a similar meaning of frequency.

constantly

Simplifies the phrase to an adverb, indicating continuous or very frequent action, losing the specific reference to individual moments.

continuously

Similar to "constantly", this adverb conveys an ongoing action without interruption, shifting the focus from discrete instants.

on every occasion

Shifts the focus to specific instances or events, rather than precise points in time, providing a broader interpretation of frequency.

each time

A simpler alternative that emphasizes repetition of an event or action, lacking the formality of "instant".

every single time

This phrase emphasizes the completeness of repetition. The alternative has a more casual tone.

incessantly

Suggests an action that happens repeatedly and without cease, highlighting its continuous nature over discrete instances.

at all times

Emphasizes the entire duration or period, rather than individual points, offering a broader scope of continuous occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "at each instant" to describe something that occurs or is assessed repeatedly at specific moments in time. For example: "The algorithm checks the data integrity "at each instant" to ensure accuracy."

What are some alternatives to "at each instant"?

Alternatives include "at every moment", "in each moment", or "constantly", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "at each instant" formal or informal?

"At each instant" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in technical, scientific, or academic writing. In more casual contexts, alternatives like "every time" or "constantly" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "at each instant"?

It is best to use "at each instant" when precision is important and you want to emphasize that something occurs or is evaluated at very specific moments in time, especially in formal or technical documentation.