however momentarily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "however momentarily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will happen for a brief period of time, often in contrast to a previous statement. Example: "The storm may disrupt our plans; however momentarily, we can still enjoy the sunshine before it arrives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

On a rare sunny November morning in Copenhagen, Redzepi is, however, momentarily seated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However momentarily placating, some of those sumptuously scored neo-Romantic works just don't stay with you.

The New York Times - Arts

"Paradise Lost," his new exhibition at the David Zwirner gallery in New York, represents a move, however momentarily, from Ovidian bounty to Miltonian loss.

The New Yorker

Who would have expected the sound of 2015 to make you think, however momentarily, of Another Level, and thus the delectable figure of Dane Bowers?

The Guardian - Music

Some viewers may find themselves forgetting, however momentarily, that the outnumbered and outgunned Somalis are the bad guys.Still, Mr Greengrass is skilled enough to have it both ways.

The Economist

Ambrosio spoke with such authority, stood so stubbornly in opposition to the world I lived in, that I could feel him lifting me, however momentarily, from the unceasing current of my other life to the shore of his.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

However, if momentarily we treat λ as an adjustable parameter, we can improve the approximation to the data in Fig. 1 (solid lines in the top panel), which suggests that the concept of an interfacial layer indeed possesses significance.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The rehearsal, however, was momentarily delayed.

Los Angeles Times

When the crew struck the outer wall of the privy, however, I was momentarily buoyed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Shortly before they were due on Friday night, however, she was momentarily panic-stricken.

The New York Times - Style

However, if someone momentarily and uncharacteristically reacts in the manner Finn did -- and it's not like he overtly called Kurt a fag, though the reference was unfortunate -- after warning him in earlier dialogue that the room was unacceptable, and Kurt, in his "ignorance," essentially baits him, then Kurt's actions get swept under the rug.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "however momentarily" to introduce a contrast while emphasizing the brevity of an action or state. This can add nuance to your writing, especially when describing exceptions or deviations from a norm.

Common error

Avoid using "however momentarily" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "briefly" or "for a second" often sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however momentarily" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or state occurs briefly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces a contrast or qualification, emphasizing the transient nature of the event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "however momentarily" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate a brief occurrence, often in contrast to a prevailing condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to qualify a statement, adding nuance and emphasizing the transient nature of an event. It's commonly found in news and academic contexts, reflecting a neutral register. While grammatically correct, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal settings. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across varied contexts, making it a versatile addition to sophisticated writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if only for a moment

Emphasizes the brief duration, focusing on the single, limited instance.

even for a second

Highlights the brevity to an even greater extent by specifying a 'second'.

briefly

A more concise adverb to indicate short duration.

for a fleeting instant

Emphasizes the transient nature and the quick passing of the moment.

just for an instant

Implies immediacy and the ephemeral quality of the moment.

for a short time

A more general way to indicate a limited duration.

though briefly

Uses "though" to introduce a contrast, similar to "however", but with a simpler adverb.

albeit briefly

A more formal alternative using "albeit" to concede the brevity.

for a little while

Suggests a slightly longer duration than "momentarily", but still implies a temporary state.

in a split second

Highlights how fast the event occurs.

FAQs

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

"However momentarily" is used to indicate that something occurs briefly, often as a contrast to what precedes or follows. For example, "The tension eased; "however momentarily", the underlying conflict remained."

What are some alternatives to saying "however momentarily"?

Alternatives to "however momentarily" include "briefly", "for a moment", "just for an instant", or "if only for a moment". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "however momentarily" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "however momentarily" at the beginning of a sentence, but ensure it logically connects to the previous idea. It's often used to introduce a slight contradiction or qualification. For example: "The initial plan failed. "However momentarily", a new opportunity arose."

What's the difference between "however momentarily" and "briefly"?

Both "however momentarily" and "briefly" indicate something lasting a short time, but "however momentarily" often carries a stronger sense of contrast or qualification. "Briefly" is more straightforward in simply denoting short duration.