for an instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for an instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very brief moment in time. Example: "She hesitated for an instant before answering the question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Klem for an instant says nothing.

The New Yorker

Lenin did not hesitate for an instant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For an instant Miranda's heart stopped.

The New Yorker

For an instant there was a silent.

The New Yorker

For an instant, his face softened.

The New York Times

For an instant, they froze.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nope, not for an instant.

The Guardian - Opinion

For an instant, time stopped.

The New York Times

I don't believe this for an instant.

The New York Times

His gaze didn't waver for an instant.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But I don't regret it for an instant.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for an instant" to create a sense of fleetingness or to emphasize the brevity of an action or feeling. It's particularly effective in narrative writing to heighten tension or capture a momentary shift in emotion.

Common error

While "for an instant" is appropriate for creative writing, avoid using it excessively in technical or scientific contexts where precision is paramount. Opt for more specific time measurements like 'milliseconds' or 'seconds' for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for an instant" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying the duration of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for an instant" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase, as validated by Ludwig. It describes a very brief moment in time and is commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it is best suited for general usage and creative writing. For more technical contexts, consider using more precise measurements. Ludwig AI provides several useful alternatives, such as "for a moment" or "briefly", if a more varied writing style is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a moment

This is a more common and slightly less formal way of expressing a very short period.

for a second

Specifies a unit of time, indicating a brief duration, similar to "for an instant".

for a split second

Emphasizes the brevity of the duration, suggesting something happening in a very short time.

momentarily

Expresses the action happening very briefly or for a short time.

briefly

Indicates something lasting for a short duration, placing emphasis on the shortness of the time.

in a flash

Implies something happening extremely quickly, adding an element of suddenness.

in a heartbeat

Conveys a sense of immediacy, highlighting the swiftness of an occurrence.

in the blink of an eye

Highlights the quick and almost imperceptible nature of an event.

in a trice

Indicates that something happens very quickly and effortlessly.

just for a tick

This is a more casual way to say "for a moment".

FAQs

How can I use "for an instant" in a sentence?

You can use "for an instant" to describe a brief moment in time. For example, "For an instant, she hesitated before answering the question."

What are some alternatives to "for an instant"?

Alternatives include "for a moment", "for a second", or "momentarily", depending on the context.

Is "for an instant" formal or informal?

"For an instant" is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, more precise language might be preferable in highly technical contexts.

What's the difference between "for an instant" and "for a while"?

"For an instant" refers to a very short, almost imperceptible period, whereas "for a while" implies a more extended, though indefinite, duration.