at this instant

USAGE SUMMARY

"at this instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is happening right this moment, in the present. For example: "At this instant, the sun is beginning to set on the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The output switch is closed at this instant.

Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology

What you are seeing is happening at this instant.

The New Yorker

"For me, at this instant, there is one issue.

The Guardian

At this instant, the planet may be moving at that speed.

Yale University

In modern military jargon, everyone at this instant small city has his or her "lane".

The New York Times

"At this instant I had lost a lot of blood and I was still bleeding.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

However, there are children -- alive for the moment -- who at this very instant, desperately need our country's attention and swift action.

Huffington Post

Ever look at someone and feel this instant wave of calm and relief?

Vice

The cumulation is a result of raking of material particles forming a shell in a process of expansion of a hole, compare with cumulation of mass into the head droplet in Fig. 4. The particles having their instant positions outside relative to the rim do not "know" about the hole and about its expansion at this particular instant [22].

Nanoscale Research Letters

At this very instant, a little bit more in the country.

The New York Times - Magazine

At this particular instant in cultural history, Mr. Menkes said, "there's nothing to be shocked at anymore.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at this instant" to emphasize the immediacy and specificity of an event. It can add a dramatic or reflective tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at this instant" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "now" or "right now" are often more appropriate and sound less contrived.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at this instant" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the precise time of an action or state. Ludwig AI validates this usage, highlighting the correctness of the phrase in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at this instant" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote a specific moment in time. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, its use is more prevalent in news, scientific, and academic contexts, lending a sense of immediacy and precision. Be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. For instance, in casual conversation opting for options like "right now" is preferable. Top sources using this phrase include authoritative publications like The New Yorker and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this moment

Very similar in meaning, slightly more emphasis on the present.

in this instant

Similar, but "in this instant" emphasizes the experience.

right now

Less formal and more direct.

at the present time

More formal way of saying "now".

at the given moment

More formal and specific, often used in analytical contexts.

at once

Slightly more informal, suggesting simultaneous action.

at this juncture

Implies a critical point or stage in events.

immediately

Implies a sense of urgency or without delay.

instantaneously

Focuses on the speed and lack of delay.

presently

Can imply something is about to happen, or is happening now.

FAQs

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

"At this instant" is used to describe something happening precisely at the present time. For example, "At this instant, the clock struck midnight".

What are some alternatives to "at this instant"?

You can use alternatives such as "right now", "at this moment", or "immediately" depending on the context.

Is "at this instant" formal or informal?

"At this instant" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "now" or "right now". Choose your phrasing to match the overall tone and audience of your writing.

What's the difference between "at this instant" and "at this moment"?

While very similar, "at this moment" often emphasizes the present time more broadly, while "at this instant" highlights the precise, specific nature of the event occurring. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.