even momentarily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even momentarily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs for a very short period of time, often emphasizing the briefness of the action or state. Example: "She felt a sense of peace, even momentarily, before the chaos resumed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have you ever lied about your identity, even momentarily?

The New York Times

Purists charged that basking in the joy of victory — even momentarily — defiled the grace of the traditional sport.

The New York Times

Today, Ms. Flaster denied that any teacher at her school had lost sight of the girl even momentarily.

The New York Times

Stories about Cameron's allegedly excessive drug-taking and general debauchery in his youth were even momentarily eclipsed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The mere act of stepping outside oneself, even momentarily, can serve as an O.C.D. circuit breaker, which is reinforced by the addition of each successive "now" moment.

The New York Times

The only statement of even momentarily believable fresh hope in "State 194" is an observation by a Palestinian blogger and Facebook activist in her 20s.

The New York Times

Allen is suggesting that narcissists are so powerfully appealing because you feel blessed when, even momentarily, the beam of their self-love turns toward you.

The New Yorker

Or is using a form of shorthand like this acceptable if it diverts the attention, even momentarily, of an otherwise distracted audience?

The Guardian

It would take a unique personality to alter, even momentarily, not just his public image but his very psyche; a real character, if you will.

The Guardian - Sport

As a result, the slighter pieces in "Great Dream of Heaven" nearly evaporate off the page, failing to insinuate themselves, even momentarily, in the reader's mind.

The New York Times - Books

Renewed hostilities from those who deify Florence Nightingale and can't stand to hear anyone, even momentarily, discussing the qualities of Mary Seacole.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even momentarily" to emphasize the transient nature of an action or feeling, especially when contrasting it with a more prolonged state. For example: "The tension eased, "even momentarily", before returning with full force."

Common error

Avoid using "even momentarily" when a longer duration is implied or more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "He considered the offer even momentarily", consider "He briefly considered the offer" if you mean he gave it more than just a passing thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even momentarily" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the duration or timing of an action or state. It emphasizes the brevity or transience of the event. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even momentarily" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to emphasize the briefness of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, conveying a sense of transience. When using this phrase, be mindful of the emphasis it adds and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. Alternatives like "however briefly" or "even briefly" can be used for similar effect. Remember to consider the context and desired emphasis when choosing between "even momentarily" and other similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if only for a moment

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of the action or state, suggesting a desire or longing.

even for an instant

Highlights the extremely short duration, focusing on the immediate and transient quality.

however briefly

Uses an adverb to indicate the short duration, providing a concise alternative.

even fleetingly

Suggests a quick and almost imperceptible occurrence.

even for a second

Quantifies the short duration, making it more concrete and relatable.

if only for a split second

Highlights the rapidity of the fleeting moment.

even in passing

Implies a casual or superficial encounter or consideration.

even transitorily

More formal and less common, emphasizing the temporary nature.

just for a second

Highlights a very short amount of time to do something.

even ephemerally

Suggests something extremely short-lived, almost to the point of vanishing.

FAQs

How can I use "even momentarily" in a sentence?

You can use "even momentarily" to emphasize the briefness of an action or state. For example: "She forgot her troubles, "if only for a moment", before the reality set in."

What are some alternatives to "even momentarily"?

Alternatives include "however briefly", "even briefly", or "even for an instant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "even" with "momentarily"?

While "momentarily" already implies a short duration, using "even momentarily" adds emphasis to the brevity, highlighting how fleeting the action or state is. The term "even briefly" could be used instead for avoiding redundancy.

What's the difference between "even momentarily" and "for a moment"?

"Even momentarily" emphasizes the surprise or unlikelihood of something happening, "if only for a moment", while "for a moment" simply indicates a short duration without necessarily implying surprise.