moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "moment" is an acceptable and commonly used word in written English.
You can use the word "moment" to represent a brief period of time (i.e. a few seconds, a minute or two) or as a synonym for "instant." For example, "I'll be there in a moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Think about that for a moment.

The New York Times

They'll never know what it means to have a private moment to themselves an unrecorded, unanalysed thought.

The Guardian

There was of course no way of knowing whether you were being watched at any given moment.

The Guardian - Tech

It was an exciting moment.

The Guardian - Tech

Not a moment too soon.

The New York Times

"It was an extraordinary moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's probably in the best moment of his career.

The Guardian - Sport

The loyal supporters who stayed with us need to savour this moment.

The Guardian - Sport

"I am finding it quite stressful at the moment," he said.

The Guardian

So don't for a moment let Labour get away with it.

The Economist

At the moment, that seems unlikely.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "moment" with vivid adjectives to evoke specific feelings or imagery, like "a poignant moment" or "a breathtaking moment".

Common error

Avoid using "moment" to describe periods longer than a few minutes. If you're referring to a longer duration, use words like "period", "time", or "interval" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "moment" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a brief period of time or a specific point in time. As Ludwig AI signals, it's a common word that appears in many contexts. The examples show it expressing duration or signifying an event's importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "moment" is a common noun used to denote a short period or a specific point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use. It appears frequently in news, sports, and lifestyle contexts. When using "moment", be mindful of the intended duration, avoiding its application for extended periods. Alternatives include "instant" or "period", based on context. It is grammatically correct and used without controversy in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instant in time

This alternative specifies that the "moment" is a specific point within time, emphasizing its instantaneous nature.

brief period

This alternative highlights the short duration associated with the "moment."

split second

This alternative emphasizes the extremely short duration of the "moment."

fleeting instant

This alternative captures the transient and ephemeral quality of a "moment."

defining point

This alternative shifts the focus to the significance of the "moment" as a turning point.

crucial juncture

This alternative highlights the critical and decisive nature of the "moment."

significant occasion

This alternative focuses on the importance of the "moment" as a noteworthy event.

turning point

This alternative emphasizes the "moment" as a point of change or transition.

a twinkling of an eye

This expression denotes a very brief, almost imperceptible "moment" in time.

a short span of time

This alternative focuses on the concise duration that the "moment" occupies.

FAQs

How can I use "moment" in a sentence?

You can use "moment" to refer to a brief period of time, as in, "Wait a "moment", please." Or, you can use it to describe a specific point in time, as in, "It was a defining "moment" in history."

What's the difference between "moment" and "instant"?

"Moment" and "instant" are often used interchangeably, but "instant" typically implies an even shorter duration than "moment". An "instant" is often perceived as nearly instantaneous, while a "moment" can stretch slightly longer.

What are some alternatives to saying "at the moment"?

Instead of "at the moment", you could say "currently", "presently", or "right now", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "in a moment" or "for a moment"?

Both "in a moment" and "for a moment" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "In a moment" implies that something will happen soon, while "for a moment" indicates a temporary state or action. For example, "I'll be there in a "moment"," versus "I stood there for a "moment"."