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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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if only for an instant

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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.

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 New Yorker

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.

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.

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?

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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

Independent

But in Sendak's world, the island is a means of Max having power over his powerlessness, if only for a dreamlike instant.

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

The New York Times

We are all born with a consciousness of unconditional loving – even if only for a brief instant.

News & Media

Forbes

If only for a moment.

News & Media

The New York Times
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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.'

Expression frequency: Common

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.

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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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: