in that instant

USAGE SUMMARY

"in that instant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a brief moment in time or a sudden realization. For example, "In that instant, I knew what I had to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In that instant, life becomes luminous again.

The New Yorker

In that instant lies your salvation.

The New Yorker

The game had changed, in that instant.

The New York Times - Sports

In that instant, I suddenly knew.

The New York Times

In that instant, satellite espionage was born.

The New York Times

In that instant, he lost the election.

The New Yorker

In that instant, the world shrank.

The New York Times

There was something paradoxical in that instant call to remember.

The New York Times

And, in that instant, spring begins in my heart.

Independent

In that instant, I made up my mind.

The New York Times - Magazine

In that instant, I knew that she remembered me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in that instant" to create a sense of immediacy and impact, especially when describing a turning point or sudden realization in a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "in that instant" too frequently within a short passage. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for simpler temporal phrases like "at that moment" or "immediately" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in that instant" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the time frame in which an action occurs or a state changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a perfectly usable phrase in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in that instant" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to denote a specific, often impactful, moment in time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. When writing, it's best used to emphasize the immediacy and significance of an event, while avoiding overuse to maintain its dramatic effect. Consider variations like "at that moment" or "immediately" for stylistic diversity. Remember to be creative and smart!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that moment

Focuses more on a specific point in time rather than the suddenness of the event.

in that second

Emphasizes the brevity of the time frame.

at that very moment

Adds emphasis to the specificity and importance of the moment.

immediately

Focuses on the lack of delay.

instantaneously

Highlights the speed of the event.

right then

More informal way of indicating a specific moment.

at once

Implies immediacy and simultaneous action.

in a flash

Emphasizes the quick and sudden nature of the event.

in the twinkling of an eye

Figurative language highlighting extreme speed.

upon that

More formal way of linking two events directly.

FAQs

How can I use "in that instant" in a sentence?

Use "in that instant" to describe a specific moment when something significant happens or a realization occurs. For example, "In that instant, I knew I had made the right decision".

What are some alternatives to "in that instant"?

You can use phrases like "at that moment", "immediately", or "instantaneously" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "in that instant" in formal writing?

Yes, "in that instant" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although it can sometimes lend a more dramatic tone to the narrative. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "in that instant" and "at that moment"?

While both phrases refer to a specific point in time, "in that instant" often implies a more sudden or impactful occurrence, whereas "at that moment" can simply indicate a particular time.