at the right moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the right moment" is correct and usable in written English.
For example: "He arrived at the right moment to save the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the right moment.

The New Yorker

SIR TERRY LEAHY checked out at the right moment.

The Economist

Alas, I wasn't there at the right moment.

Independent

"She turns her head at the right moment.

The New Yorker

Just say the right word at the right moment.

The New Yorker

He came to power at the right moment.

The Economist

Frampton, on the premises at the right moment, was promoted.

Independent

Santorum got out of the race at the right moment.

The New York Times

First, choose your cause at the right moment.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's true -- catching them at the right moment.

The New York Times

Belief, willpower and ­executing at the right moment".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the right moment" to emphasize the importance of timing in achieving a desired outcome. For instance, "Launching the product at the right moment was crucial for its success."

Common error

Avoid using "at the right moment" when simply referring to a general point in time. Use more general expressions such as "at that time" or "then" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the right moment" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when something occurs. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its role in indicating opportune or critical timing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the right moment" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the significance of opportune timing. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and informal guides. When aiming to convey the importance of a specific time in achieving a goal, "at the right moment" is a valuable tool. Remember to use it when timing is critical and to avoid overgeneralization in simple time references. The phrase can be replaced by alternative phrases like "at the opportune moment" or "at the perfect time" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the opportune moment

Replaces "right" with "opportune", suggesting a particularly favorable or advantageous time.

at the perfect time

Substitutes "right moment" with "perfect time", highlighting an ideal timing.

at just the right time

Adds emphasis to the timing being correct, using "just the right time".

at the ideal juncture

Uses "ideal juncture" instead of "right moment", indicating a critical point in time.

at the appropriate time

Replaces "right" with "appropriate", suggesting a fitting or suitable time.

at the precise instant

Emphasizes the exactness of the timing, using "precise instant" instead of "right moment".

when the time is ripe

Employs a metaphorical expression, indicating that conditions are favorable for action.

in the nick of time

Refers to something happening just before it's too late.

on cue

Implies perfect timing, as if following a signal or instruction.

at the eleventh hour

Suggests something happening at the last possible moment.

FAQs

How can I use "at the right moment" in a sentence?

You can use "at the right moment" to emphasize the importance of opportune timing, as in, "He said the right word "at the right moment" to calm the situation".

What phrases are similar to "at the right moment"?

Alternatives include "at the opportune moment", "at the perfect time", or "in the nick of time", each carrying slightly different connotations of timing.

Is there a difference between "at the right moment" and "at the right time"?

While similar, "at the right moment" often implies a specific, critical point in time for a particular action, whereas "at the right time" can refer to a more general period or occasion. For example: "The movie came out "at the right moment"" vs "This is not the right time to discuss this matter".

When is it best to use "at the right moment" in my writing?

Use "at the right moment" when the timing is crucial for the success or effectiveness of an action or event. For example: "Success depends on everybody stepping up "at the right moment" and executing flawlessly".