instant of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'instant of time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a brief period or moment. For example: The main character had an epiphany in an instant of time.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is our pool of shame in this our "particular instant of time".

The New Yorker

At any instant of time, solving the instantaneous equations of motion yields the instantaneous dynamic responses of the inclined plate.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Second, the area-averaged pressures are calculated by averaging all pressure taps within the area at each instant of time.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

An instant of time or a unit of motion does not continue the preceding instant or unit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The proposed strategy selects, at each instant of time, the sensor-controller pair that minimises a suitable switching criterion.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Frequency of a power system depends on the balance of produced and demanded energy in any instant of time.

Energy

Every instant of time corresponded to positions in several different calendar cycles, each of which had its own supernatural qualities.

Cornell University

At every instant of time, velocity potential is computed at each node and the nodal positions are updated.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The first digital simulators were time driven, where each node was evaluated at each instant of time.

Digital Integrated Circuit Design Using Verilog and Systemverilog

In resistive evolution a quasistatic plasma is assumed to be in mechanical equilibrium at every instant of time.

Journal of Computational Physics

"At some instant of time, the marble is both on the left-hand side and the right side of bowl at the same time".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instant of time" when you want to emphasize a very short, specific moment, especially when discussing events that occur rapidly or have immediate consequences. For example, 'In that "instant of time", the decision was made.'

Common error

Avoid using "instant of time" when a simpler term like 'moment' or 'second' suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pompous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instant of time" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an adverbial, modifying a verb or clause to specify when something occurs. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, consistently pointing to a very brief temporal duration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

15%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instant of time" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a very brief and specific moment. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in scientific, academic, and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives such as "moment in time" or "specific moment" exist, "instant of time" specifically emphasizes the brevity and often the importance of that particular moment. The key is to use "instant of time" judiciously, avoiding overuse in simpler statements where 'moment' or 'second' would suffice, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise instant

Stresses the exactness and accuracy in the moment.

moment in time

Emphasizes the brevity and singularity of the moment.

single instant

Emphasizes the singularity of the instant.

particular instant

Stresses a certain and distinct instant.

specific moment

Highlights the exactness and particularity of the moment.

precise moment

Highlights the exactness and accuracy of the timing.

point in time

Focuses on a specific point rather than the duration, however short.

given moment

Indicates a specified or assumed moment.

certain point

Indicates a definite position in time.

fleeting moment

Highlights the briefness and transience of the moment.

FAQs

How can I use "instant of time" in a sentence?

You can use "instant of time" to refer to a very short moment when something happens. For example: "In that "instant of time", he knew he had to act."

What are some alternatives to "instant of time"?

Some alternatives to "instant of time" include "moment in time", "specific moment", or "particular instant".

Is it redundant to say "instant in time" instead of "instant of time"?

"Instant in time" is grammatically correct, but the common phrase is "instant of time". "Instant of time" is the standard and more widely accepted usage.

What does "instant of time" imply about the duration?

"Instant of time" suggests an extremely brief duration, emphasizing how quickly something occurs or changes. It's often used to describe a moment that's fleeting or decisive.