in this instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in this instant" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means "at this moment" or "right now". You can use it to describe something happening at a specific moment in time. Example: In this instant, she realized that she had forgotten her wallet at home and would not be able to pay for her meal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The threat of terrorism is very high in this instant.

The New York Times

In this instant, you're the loneliest person in the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

DuVernay has said that L.B.J. is redeemed for the audience in this instant.

The New Yorker

In this instant, he knows, in this unforeseen gift of a moment, his future is being reshaped".

The New York Times - Books

In this instant the viewer may decide to shrug off the feeling as too familiar or perform an act of penance.

The New York Times - Books

'In this instant, though, I do not really care if people understand the religious aspects or not, but I really do want them to understand the political one.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Yes, people who had actual hangovers experienced them Monday, but even in this instant-news world, it takes a day for a news hangover to hit.

The New York Times

In Dell's own studies, people spent 70percentt of their time in this instant-on world rather than booting up Windows when they were at home.

The New York Times

We must get you in makeup this instant".

The New Yorker

Years after he had cashed in on this instant subdivision, he said, "I believe that Los Angeles is destined to become the most important city in this country, if not the world".

The New York Times - Travel

Somewhat lost in the aftermath of this instant classic's drama is the epic performance of Joe Flacco.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in this instant" to emphasize a specific moment when a realization, decision, or change occurs. It adds a sense of drama and immediacy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in this instant" in situations where a simpler "now" or "at this moment" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or unnatural in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in this instant" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the timing of an event. It indicates a particular moment when something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in this instant" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It acts as an adverbial phrase used to emphasize a specific, significant moment. While versatile, the examples in Ludwig suggest it's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Consider alternatives like "at this moment" or "right now" for less dramatic situations. Using "in this instant" effectively can add depth and impact to your writing, highlighting the importance of a particular point in time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this moment

Focuses on the present time, similar to "in this instant" but slightly more general.

right now

Emphasizes the immediacy of the action or event, making it a more direct alternative.

at this very second

Highlights the precise timing, adding a sense of urgency and specificity.

immediately

Stresses the lack of delay, making it suitable for contexts requiring prompt action.

at once

Implies that something happens without any delay, similar to "immediately".

instantaneously

Describes something happening in an extremely short amount of time, focusing on speed.

at present

Focuses on the current situation or state, rather than a specific moment.

in the twinkling of an eye

Emphasizes how quickly something happens, adding a sense of amazement or disbelief.

in a flash

Highlights the speed of an event, making it a more vivid and descriptive option.

this very minute

Underlines the urgency of the moment, creating a sense of heightened importance.

FAQs

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

Use "in this instant" to highlight a particular moment when something significant happens. For example, "In this instant, he knew he had made the right decision".

What are some alternatives to using "in this instant"?

You can use alternatives like "at this moment", "right now", or "immediately" depending on the desired emphasis.

Is it more formal to use "in this instant" or "at this moment"?

"In this instant" carries a slightly more dramatic or literary tone, while "at this moment" is generally more neutral and suitable for everyday use.

What's the difference between "in this instant" and "instantaneously"?

"In this instant" refers to a specific point in time, while "instantaneously" describes the speed at which something occurs. You might say, "In this instant, the effect was felt instantaneously".