flash of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"flash of time" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to a brief moment of time or a period of time that passes quickly. For example: "I completed the task in a flash of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Savage wrote England's Dreaming, published in 1991 and still the strongest history of punk, which covered a similarly fast-moving flash of time.

The Guardian - Books

He is refreshingly aware that one's interpretations of this vast and elusive country will always change according to the angle of one's vision and the flash of time one is observing.

The New York Times - Books

Especially forgive your parents for their reprimands and restrictions and know that in a flash of time you will be in their place with children of your own.

Los Angeles Times

Even in 20 months (far from a flash of time), hedge funds can make improvements with long-lasting impact, similar to a consultant or turnaround specialist hired for a few months.

Huffington Post

"Sčasovka" has no strict English equivalent, but John Tyrrell, a leading specialist on Janáček's music, describes it as "a little flash of time, almost a kind of musical capsule, which Janáček often used in slow music as tiny swift motifs with remarkably characteristic rhythms that are supposed to pepper the musical flow".

Wikipedia

Purpose can be fulfilled in a flash of time.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The only place in the universe where QGP exists is inside high-speed accelerators, for the briefest flashes of time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On a clear day, you can see modernity -- or much of it -- in quick flashes of time and space.

The New York Times - Arts

The strength of the current exhibition lies in the power of these memories and in the photographic flashes of time in which the unthinkable remains frozen.

The New York Times - Arts

You can divine this flash of face time as a comically timed fluke, but Microsoft's board must be watching to see how Nadella performs with a far bigger spotlight on his back.

TechCrunch

See tour dates for the album here.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flash of time" to emphasize the sudden and brief nature of an event or experience. It adds a sense of immediacy and transience to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "flash of time" when a general description of a short duration is sufficient. The phrase specifically highlights the instantaneous quality of the moment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flash of time" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe how quickly something occurs. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flash of time" is a grammatically sound and evocative way to describe a very short period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for emphasizing the sudden and transient nature of events. While not overly formal, its use is widespread across news media, wikis, and scientific articles. Consider alternatives like "blink of time" or "fleeting moment" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that while appropriate in many descriptive contexts, avoid using it when a more general term for short duration suffices. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is more about highlighting instantaneous nature, not simply shortness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blink of time

Replaces "flash" with "blink", emphasizing the brevity of the moment.

instant of time

Substitutes "flash" with "instant", highlighting the immediacy of the occurrence.

fleeting moment

Highlights the transience and quick disappearance of the moment.

shard of time

Uses "shard" to convey a small, fragmented piece of time.

sliver of time

Similar to "shard", "sliver" emphasizes the thinness and smallness of the time period.

transient period

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the time span.

moment in time

A more generic way of referring to a specific point in time, less emphatic than "flash".

quick spell

Implies a short duration marked by a specific activity or state.

split second

Focuses on the extremely short duration, measurable in fractions of a second.

brief period

A more general term for a short amount of time, lacking the suddenness implied by "flash".

FAQs

How can I use "flash of time" in a sentence?

You can use "flash of time" to describe something that happens very quickly. For example, "The opportunity disappeared in a "flash of time"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "flash of time"?

Alternatives include "blink of time", "instant of time", or "fleeting moment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flash of time" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "flash of time" might be more suitable for creative or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider using "brief period" or "moment" for a more neutral tone.

Can "flash of time" be used to describe future events?

Yes, it can, but it's more commonly used to describe past events or experiences. For future events, it implies a sense of anticipation and suddenness: "Success can arrive in a "flash of time" if you're prepared".