briefest instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "briefest instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the shortest or most fleeting moment in time. Example: "In the briefest instance, everything changed, and we were left in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In that brief instance, "London Road" surges with feeling.

The New York Times - Arts

In a brief instance when it does wade into politics, "Too Hot Not to Handle" hears from a hybrid-car enthusiast who says it's conservative to conserve fuel.

The New York Times - Arts

Often these backsides record, as if by sheer happenstance, a couple of seconds of Heschel's mind, a brief instance when a thought, a turn of phrase, caught him amid other actions and was hastily scribbled down.

Duke University

Each image is composed of 10,000 photos of a brief instance.

Vice

"After this closure -- which the Judge explained was not occasioned by any actual spillage of classified information -- the unredacted transcript of what was said during this brief instance was released to the public in less than 48 hours.

Huffington Post

It says: the plywood Millenium Falcon was convincing enough to make me forget – at least for one brief instance – the trudging futility of my life, but that disbelief was suspended when I had to break a tenner just for a burger with salsa on it.

Vice

Sampling as an element of research method leads to sampling in a second sense: in many cases thesis work forms a brief instance of what operational public health action might be.

Africa

In rare (and brief) instances, justified by overwhelming historical interest, Mr. Scarduelli includes material from a seriously defective source.

The New York Times - Arts

Christopher reads an excerpt from his story, "Fact-Checked," and Matthew reads his story "Sweeping Glass". Disclaimer: The stories do both contain brief instances of profanity.

Columbia University

And yet, despite his many flaws, he possessed a rabid, ungovernable ambition that in a few brief instances enabled him to transcend his limitations.

The New York Times - Books

The tape from radar approach control also captures three brief instances at about the time of the crash in which someone on the frequency appears to click on a microphone, but there are no intelligible words.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "briefest instance" when you want to emphasize the extremely short duration of something. Consider stronger synonyms like "split second" for impact.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "briefest instance" is not a commonly used phrase. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnatural or stilted. Opt for more common alternatives like "shortest moment" or "split second" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "briefest instance" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes an extremely short or fleeting moment in time. While the phrase is grammatically correct, it is not frequently used.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "briefest instance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an extremely short moment. However, Ludwig indicates that it is not a commonly used expression. As such, while technically correct, writers may consider using more common alternatives, such as ""shortest moment"" or "split second", to enhance clarity and naturalness in their writing. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves to emphasize the minimal duration of an event. While not strictly formal, it is most appropriate for neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shortest moment

Focuses on the minimal duration, replacing 'instance' with 'moment'.

fleeting second

Emphasizes the quick, passing nature, changing both words.

quickest occasion

Uses 'occasion' to indicate a specific time, altering both words.

split second

Highlights the extremely short duration, using a common idiom.

instantaneous moment

Stresses the immediacy and brevity, replacing 'briefest' with 'instantaneous'.

passing moment

Emphasizes the transient nature, changing both words.

transient instant

Highlights the temporary nature, replacing both words.

fleeting glimpse

Suggests a brief visual experience, modifying the context slightly.

momentary event

Uses 'event' to describe something happening quickly, changing the noun.

smallest interval

Focuses on a minimal time span, altering both the adjective and noun.

FAQs

How can I use "briefest instance" in a sentence?

You can use "briefest instance" to describe something that happens very quickly or for a very short duration. For example, "In the "shortest moment", everything changed."

What phrases are similar to "briefest instance"?

Similar phrases include "fleeting second", "split second", or "quickest occasion".

Is "briefest instance" the same as "brief instance"?

"Briefest instance" emphasizes an even shorter duration than "brief instance". While both refer to short periods, "briefest" suggests the absolute minimum amount of time.

Is it better to use "briefest instance" or a more common phrase?

While grammatically sound, "briefest instance" is not widely used. Depending on your audience and writing style, consider using more common and relatable phrases like ""shortest moment"" for clarity and impact.