from one moment to the next

USAGE SUMMARY

"from one moment to the next" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that is used to refer to a sudden change or transition. For example: "The weather suddenly changed from one moment to the next as a storm blew into town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

My body also looks different from one moment to the next, depending on what I wear or how I stand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Elliot runs the operation while Darren, who is hooked on butterflies and doesn't remember much from one moment to the next, is the gofer.

Huffington Post

On those nights, all you're hoping for is to be transported from one moment to the next as painlessly as possible until, like the cavalry, blessed unconsciousness arrives.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Perhaps this is the only way to survive, by living from one moment to the next".

The New York Times - Books

I was leaping from one moment to the next like I still am.

The Guardian

"The visibility, from one moment to the next, can cloud up," General Carreno said.

The New York Times

I did not feel confident of existing from one moment to the next.

The Guardian

"Over normal timescales, the universe does not change very much from one moment to the next.

The Guardian

He could snatch his favor away from one moment to the next, retreating into a dark mood, leaving her bereft.

The New Yorker

"It's unbelievable the extent to which people have allowed sentiment to whip them around from one moment to the next".

The New York Times

McQueen is more elegant than photos tend to suggest, and has the most amazingly fluid face, which looks completely different from one moment to the next.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from one moment to the next" to emphasize the rapid and unpredictable nature of a change. It adds a sense of immediacy and surprise to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "from one moment to the next" when describing gradual or long-term changes. This phrase is best suited for sudden, almost instantaneous shifts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from one moment to the next" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the timing or manner of an action or event. As Ludwig AI correctly indicates, it's used to denote a sudden change or transition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from one moment to the next" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe sudden and unpredictable changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of immediacy and surprise. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media where rapid shifts are often reported. Remember to use it when emphasizing the abrupt nature of a change, rather than gradual developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In an instant

Similar to "instantly", this phrase stresses the very short duration of a change.

All of a sudden

This phrase highlights the unexpected nature of an event, focusing on its abrupt arrival.

In the blink of an eye

This idiom vividly conveys the speed and suddenness of a change.

Instantly

This single word emphasizes the immediate and sudden nature of a change, removing the sequential aspect.

Without warning

This emphasizes the lack of anticipation or preparation for a change.

Almost immediately

Highlights the short time frame after an action or event.

Out of the blue

This phrase suggests a completely unexpected and surprising event.

On the spur of the moment

Highlights the impulsivity of an event. Instead of change, is about actions.

In rapid succession

Emphasizes the quick and continuous sequence of events or changes.

From time to time

Highlights the irregularity and the intermittent nature of actions or events.

FAQs

How can I use "from one moment to the next" in a sentence?

This phrase indicates sudden and unpredictable change. For example, "The weather changed dramatically "from one moment to the next", turning sunny skies into a downpour."

What are some alternatives to "from one moment to the next"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "instantly", "all of a sudden", or "in an instant" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "from moment to moment" instead of "from one moment to the next"?

While "from moment to moment" is also a valid phrase, it typically emphasizes continuous change over time rather than a sudden shift. "From one moment to the next" highlights abrupt transitions.

In what contexts is "from one moment to the next" most appropriate?

This phrase is particularly suitable for describing situations involving volatility, unpredictability, or rapid transformations, such as sudden changes in weather, emotions, or market conditions. For instance, in financial markets, investor sentiment can shift "from one moment to the next".