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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
if only for an instant
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "if only for an instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a fleeting moment or a brief experience that is significant, even if it lasts only a short time. Example: "She felt a sense of peace, if only for an instant, before the chaos resumed."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
in a flash
if only momentarily
briefly
even in the slightest
even for a moment
just for a second
for a moment
in a heartbeat
even for a little bit
even for a little while
in a trice
well for a little bit
even the tiniest bit
even if just for a moment
for a split second
so for a little bit
for a fleeting moment
momentarily
for the blink of an eye
even if briefly
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
15 human-written examples
She saw, if only for an instant, that breathing slowly and deeply affected how she felt.
He played the Menuetto, for example, with a fluidity that made it sound, if only for an instant, like Chopin.
News & Media
In removing "man" from the land, if only for an instant, he has struck a quiet blow in favor of the China it aspires to be.
News & Media
The suggestion was there, if only for an instant, that Mr. Livermore might be one of those on the political right who thinks local governments should have more autonomy.
News & Media
The stadium was the obvious choice". Today, when Cissé and his support act take on Manchester City in that stadium he will receive an ovation that will, if only for an instant, warm his heart once more.
News & Media
Is it so surprising, then, that lost and dysfunctional individuals of the kind Capellan describes instigate murderous violence as a way of giving themselves, even if only for an instant, a clarity and purpose they've never felt before?
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
45 human-written examples
Mr Hongett has once spotted 'The Grenadier', if only for a brief instant.
News & Media
But in Sendak's world, the island is a means of Max having power over his powerlessness, if only for a dreamlike instant.
News & Media
To make fun of the future is to put it under our control, if only for a brief instant of a shared explosive laughter, by mastering the fear it provokes.
News & Media
We are all born with a consciousness of unconditional loving – even if only for a brief instant.
News & Media
If only for a moment.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider stronger alternatives like "momentarily" when brevity is more important than emotional impact.
Common error
Avoid using "if only for an instant" repeatedly in a short span. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for varied vocabulary to maintain reader engagement.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "if only for an instant" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the brief duration of an action or state. As Ludwig AI points out, it expresses a fleeting moment that is significant. For example, 'She saw, if only for an instant, that breathing slowly and deeply affected how she felt.'
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Academia
20%
Science
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Formal & Business
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
"If only for an instant" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses a brief, often poignant, moment. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for emphasizing the temporary nature of an experience. Its frequency is common, particularly in News & Media and Academia. Related phrases include "even for a moment" and "just for a second", offering similar meanings. While versatile, avoiding overuse and considering simpler alternatives in very casual contexts is advisable.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
even for a moment
Emphasizes the short duration, similar to "if only for an instant" but uses simpler vocabulary.
just for a second
Focuses on the extremely brief nature of the occurrence.
for a fleeting moment
Highlights the transient nature of the experience or state.
briefly
A single-word adverb capturing the concise duration.
for a split second
Emphasizes the extreme rapidity of the event.
momentarily
Indicates something lasting only for a moment.
in a heartbeat
Implies something happening very quickly, almost instantaneously.
in a flash
Similar to 'split second', suggesting rapid occurrence.
for the blink of an eye
Illustrates how quickly something happens using a relatable comparison.
in a trice
An archaic but evocative way to express something happening very quickly.
FAQs
What does "if only for an instant" mean?
It means something occurs or is experienced for a very short time, typically implying that the moment is fleeting but significant.
How can I use "if only for an instant" in a sentence?
You might say, "She felt a sense of peace, "if only for an instant", before the chaos resumed" to show a brief respite from a difficult situation.
What can I say instead of "if only for an instant"?
You can use alternatives like "even for a moment", "just for a second", or "briefly" depending on the context.
Is "if only for an instant" formal or informal?
It leans towards neutral, suitable for both formal writing like news articles and informal conversations. However, consider simpler phrases like "for a moment" in very casual contexts.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested