moment of consciousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moment of consciousness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief period of awareness or realization, often in a philosophical or psychological context. Example: "In that fleeting moment of consciousness, she realized the depth of her feelings for him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Since the moment of consciousness hit, I've been death-obsessed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Drink, they continue, "falsified every human relationship, every moment of consciousness.

The New York Times - Books

John McCrone wrote Going Inside: A Tour Around a Single Moment of Consciousness.

The Guardian - Books

household we were taught our history from the moment of consciousness.

The New Yorker

· John McCrone's Going Inside: A Tour Round a Single Moment of Consciousness is published by Faber.

The Guardian - Books

If we assume that conscious decisions have neural correlates, then we should expect to find early signs of those correlates "ramping up" to the moment of consciousness.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

During wakeful consciousness, participants' brains generated "a flurry of ever-changing activity," and the fMRI showed a multitude of overlapping networks activating as the brain integrated its surroundings and generated a moment to moment "flow of consciousness".

Science Magazine

Her final moments of consciousness were unpleasant in the extreme.

The Guardian

In her final moments of consciousness, the woman told her husband: "I'm sorry.

The New York Times

They grabbed the first available flight back to New York, where on New Year's Day they shared engagement photographs with Ms. Simon during one of her final moments of consciousness.

The New York Times

Instead, it is a deranged and often electrifyingly theatrical seance that imagines the last moments of consciousness of the great theatrical innovator.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moment of consciousness" when you want to emphasize a specific, often brief, period of awareness or realization. It's particularly useful in philosophical, psychological, or narrative contexts to highlight a character's internal state or a significant turning point.

Common error

Avoid using "moment of consciousness" in overly simplistic or mundane situations. Opt for simpler terms like "realization" or "awareness" to maintain a natural flow and avoid sounding pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moment of consciousness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance of awareness or realization. As Ludwig suggests, it depicts brief periods of awareness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moment of consciousness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a specific instance of awareness or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from news to science, though primarily in news and media. While it isn't inherently formal, it's best used when the goal is to emphasize a significant internal experience. To avoid overusing it, simpler alternatives like "realization" or "awareness" may be more appropriate in straightforward narratives. Remember that a "moment of consciousness" is a fleeting instance, distinct from a longer "state of consciousness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instant of awareness

Focuses specifically on the sensory or cognitive experience of becoming aware.

conscious instant

Shortens the original phrase while retaining its core meaning.

fleeting moment of awareness

Emphasizes the brief duration of the conscious experience.

brief moment of perception

Highlights the act of perceiving something, whether internal or external.

passing instance of cognition

Uses more formal language to refer to a brief period of thought or understanding.

split-second realization

Conveys the suddenness and speed of the understanding.

spark of consciousness

Implies a sudden burst of awareness, like a light turning on.

glimpse of understanding

Suggests a partial or incomplete awareness.

fragment of awareness

Emphasizes the incomplete nature of consciousness in a particular moment.

twinkle of awareness

Suggests a subtle and delicate moment of becoming aware.

FAQs

How can I use "moment of consciousness" in a sentence?

You can use "moment of consciousness" to describe a brief period of awareness or realization. For example: "In that fleeting "instant of awareness", she understood the truth."

What are some alternatives to "moment of consciousness"?

Alternatives include "instant of awareness", "fleeting moment of awareness", or "brief moment of perception", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "moment of consciousness" formal or informal?

"Moment of consciousness" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often found in more reflective or analytical writing. Simpler terms might be preferred in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "moment of consciousness" and "state of consciousness"?

A "moment of consciousness" refers to a specific, often brief, instance of awareness, while "state of consciousness" describes an ongoing condition or level of awareness, such as wakefulness, sleep, or altered states.