instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens immediately or without delay. Example: "I need an instant response to my request to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Powell said: "When we saw Ahmed's image it had an instant Floydian resonance.

The Guardian - Music

Book now Click here for alternative dates – July Click here for alternative dates – September Click here for alternative dates – October A good infographic is the picture that's worth 10,000 words, capable of exploding preconceptions or making instant sense of complex trends.

The Guardian

The overall argument in Gatherings was that concentrated graveyard gases caused instant death in man and beast; foul-smelling grounds, constantly releasing more diffused miasma, did not produce sudden death – but they debilitated those living nearby, according to their level of exposure and individual resistance.

The Guardian

I turn away for an instant and when my attention returns to the scene, I notice the red-streaked woman has disappeared into what I presume is the van.

The Guardian

The rise of the binge-watcher, gobbling every episode of a new series in two or three days, has led to a growing desire for instant gratification.

The Guardian

A greater contrast with the hangars of Mipim can hardly be imagined: no lavish buffet, just a kettle and some instant coffee; no PowerPoint slides but a dungareed bloke scribbling on a flipchart.

The Guardian - Opinion

They spent big money on epics filmed in Rome's Cinecittà, and bankrolled a British mini-renaissance after Time magazine's instant mythologisation of Swinging London in its famous 1965 cover story.

The Guardian - Film

The short version: Babies and toddlers need imagination, not instant gratification – which is what screens often provide.

The Guardian - Opinion

The character came to life in an instant.

The Guardian - Travel

She said her experiences "have made me wonder whether a more general willingness to allow each other space to reflect on honest mistakes, admit where we've got things wrong and learn lessons would be much better for our politics than the instant rush to judgment that all of us, me included, so often rush to".

The Guardian - Opinion

If you're a Netflix member, you can watch all your Instant movies right on the Dash.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instant" to describe food or beverages, ensure it accurately reflects the preparation method, emphasizing speed and ease.

Common error

Avoid using "instant" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "immediate" or "prompt" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "instant" primarily functions as an adjective, noun, or adverb, modifying other words to convey immediacy, a brief moment, or something done without delay. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its versatility across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "instant" is a versatile term used to describe something that happens immediately or lasts for a very short time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to business and science. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "immediate" may be preferable in academic writing. With numerous examples readily available, "instant" remains a valuable and frequently employed word in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instantaneous

Highlights the speed and lack of perceptible duration.

immediate

Focuses on the lack of delay between cause and effect, or action and result.

at once

Indicates that something happens without any delay.

without delay

Clearly states the absence of any waiting period.

momentary

Emphasizes the brief duration of something.

in a flash

Highlights the extreme speed at which something occurs.

prompt

Suggests a quick and timely response or action.

swift

Conveys quickness and efficiency.

rapid

Implies high speed or quickness.

sudden

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of something happening quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "instant" in a sentence?

"Instant" can be used as a noun (a very short period of time), an adjective (occurring immediately), or an adverb (at once). For example: "I need an "instant response"."

What are some alternatives to "instant"?

Alternatives include "immediate", "momentary", or "instantaneous", depending on the specific context.

Is "instant" formal or informal?

"Instant" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "immediate".

What is the difference between "instant" and "immediate"?

"Instant" emphasizes the very short duration or lack of delay, while "immediate" focuses on the direct connection between cause and effect. "Instant" often suggests something that happens incredibly quickly.