at the same instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the same instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more events happening simultaneously. Example: "The fireworks exploded in the sky at the same instant the clock struck midnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was absolutely at the same instant," he says.

The Guardian - Music

At the same instant, both looked at the clock.

The New Yorker

Envisage nakedness and, at the same instant, darkness.

The Guardian - Arts

The particles begin moving at the same instant with the same velocity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And at the same instant she was terror-stricken at what she was doing.

The New Yorker

At the same instant, so did any hopes of a comeback.

The New York Times - Sports

The horizontal plasma volume velocity is about half of the vertical plasma volume velocity at the same instant.

Thin Solid Films

Then Paul started to raise his hand at the same instant that Gingrich, on third thought, reraised his.

The New Yorker

Time, on these little scraps, is a function of space: both run out at the same instant.

The New Yorker

But how would you make the 16 rolls of paper turn at the same instant and continue together?

The Guardian - Music

The design of control, estimation or diagnosis algorithms most often assumes that all available process variables represent the system state at the same instant of time.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is important, "at the same instant" helps to avoid ambiguity that might arise from less specific terms like "at the same time".

Common error

Avoid using "at the same instant" excessively in simple narratives where the simultaneity is already implied or understood. Opt for simpler phrasing to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the same instant" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the precise timing of an action or event. Ludwig examples confirm its role in specifying when something occurs in relation to another event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the same instant" is a grammatically correct and versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the precise simultaneity of events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "simultaneously" and "at the same time" exist, "at the same instant" adds a level of precision that can be valuable in formal writing. To maximize its impact, reserve this phrase for situations where highlighting exact temporal alignment is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously

A single word replacing a prepositional phrase; simpler and more direct.

at the same time

A very similar phrase using different wording to convey simultaneity.

concurrently

A more formal synonym emphasizing the parallel occurrence of events.

in unison

Implies coordinated simultaneity, often used for actions or sounds.

coincidentally

Highlights the chance aspect of events happening together.

synchronously

A technical term for events aligned in time, often in systems.

in parallel

Suggests events unfolding alongside each other in the same time frame.

at once

Implies immediacy and simultaneity, though it can also mean 'immediately'.

contemporaneously

A formal term denoting events happening in the same period.

together

A simple word that indicates that two or more things happen at the same time.

FAQs

How can I use "at the same instant" in a sentence?

Use "at the same instant" to describe events that occur simultaneously. For example, "The fireworks exploded "at the same instant" the clock struck midnight."

What are some alternatives to "at the same instant"?

Alternatives include "simultaneously", "at the same time", or "concurrently". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is there a difference between "at the same instant" and "at the same time"?

"At the same instant" emphasizes a more precise synchronicity than "at the same time". While both indicate simultaneity, "at the same instant" suggests events happening with greater immediacy and coordination.

When is it best to use "at the same instant" instead of other options?

Use "at the same instant" when you want to highlight the exact simultaneity of two or more events, especially when precision is important or when the events are closely related causally or thematically.