at that precise instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at that precise instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment in time when something occurs or is observed. Example: "At that precise instant, the lights went out, plunging the room into darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We do not modify the growth term in Eq. (8) because the reproduction of tumoral cells depends on the total number of tumor cells (infected and susceptible) at that precise instant t.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Handover is accomplished at the precise instant that the total path lengths from the transmitting station through both satellites to the receiving station are exactly equal.

Acta Astronautica

And how can it be that I'm now, at this precise instant, listening -- "on Spotify" -- to a song I've never heard of?

Huffington Post

Often achieving a major goal in life occurs slowly, but this was instant - it was just at that precise moment.

BBC

At this precise instant, he folds — just crumples and drops, leaving nothing but a wrinkled sheet on the ground.

The New Yorker

At the precise instant when ET's existence can no longer plausibly be withheld from the adult world, the door is opened to reveal a spaceman - in full Nasa rig.

The Guardian - Film

This method provide a relevant information in the carbon gels field, as it can be applied to stop the gelation process at the precise instant for using the material in further processes where it is necessary to have the material with a specific viscosity (i.e., point of gelation).

Carbon

An ideal example of "Irreconcilable Images" is Lifeguard, shot while O'Leary was walking down the beach in Nantucket and observed a second lifeguard momentarily bent down to take a bite out of his sandwich at the precise instant the photo was taken--a decisive moment for sure, to quote Brassaï.

Huffington Post

At that precise moment, the doorbell rings.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At that precise moment, their world became the mainstream.

The Guardian - Music

At that precise moment, a crowded lift opened.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at that precise instant" to emphasize the simultaneity of events, creating a sense of immediacy in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at that precise instant" in contexts where a simpler term like "then" or "immediately" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at that precise instant" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the exact time something happens. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It pinpoints a specific moment, adding emphasis to the timing of an event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at that precise instant" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the exact timing of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the phrase finds common application in news, media, and scientific writing. While effective, avoid overuse in simple narratives where a simpler alternative would suffice. Consider alternatives such as "at that exact moment" or "just then" for variety and context appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that exact moment

Replaces "precise" with "exact", emphasizing accuracy.

at that very moment

Uses "very" to intensify the immediacy of the moment.

at that specific time

Substitutes "precise instant" with "specific time", providing a less emphatic alternative.

the moment that

A more concise way to indicate the time something happened.

just then

A shorter, more informal way to indicate immediacy.

at that juncture

Replaces "instant" with "juncture", offering a more formal and literary tone.

upon that occasion

Indicates a specific time in the past, with a slightly more formal register.

in that split second

Emphasizes the brevity and rapidity of the moment.

right then and there

Highlights immediacy and the lack of delay.

at the stroke of midnight

Suggests a moment of particular significance or exactness.

FAQs

How can I use "at that precise instant" in a sentence?

You can use "at that precise instant" to highlight a specific, crucial moment when something occurred. For example: "At that precise instant, the lights went out."

What can I say instead of "at that precise instant"?

You can use alternatives like "at that exact moment", "at that very moment", or "just then" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is there a difference between "at that precise instant" and "at that precise moment"?

The phrases "at that precise instant" and "at that precise moment" are nearly interchangeable. "Instant" emphasizes the immediacy and brevity of the time, while "moment" is slightly more general.

When should I use "at that precise instant" instead of a simpler word like "then"?

Use "at that precise instant" when you want to emphasize the exact timing and importance of a particular event, adding a sense of drama or significance that a simpler word like "then" might not convey.