momentary blip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "momentary blip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or temporary interruption or anomaly in a situation or process. Example: "The system experienced a momentary blip, but it quickly returned to normal operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The start of a comeback - or just a momentary blip?

The Guardian - Sport

"I think this is a momentary blip in what's been a great run since the late 1970s.

The New York Times - Sports

When Jack leaves, spiralling into insanity, we have to take the bar scene for what it is – a momentary blip.

The Guardian - Books

And this prompts the question: is this a heyday for older women in TV drama, or simply a momentary blip?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There were plenty of complaints that immigrants were living off other Minnesotans' tax dollars while refusing to learn English.A momentary blip in a liberal state that is 90% white?

The Economist

But the way Ms. Maye interprets the song, the arrival of bad weather doesn't signal the return of chronic depression that many renditions suggest; it's just a momentary blip of gloom on a sunny day.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Nonetheless, most analysts see Tyson's current woes as momentary blips.

The New York Times

Clarke's downfall, gloving Broad on to his stumps, and the castling of an over-ambitious Siddle by Swann, also proved to be momentary blips as Haddin and Starc kept Australia on top with an entertaining unbroken stand of 97 off 118 balls.

BBC

Lesser attacks are momentary blips on local news coverage featuring bloodied streets and blaring sirens.

Vice

The Clinton-Sanders argument is anything but a momentary campaign blip; it's not even specific to those two candidates.

The New Yorker

First of all: we're all going to die alone, and humankind's brief and pointless existence will not even register as anything other than a momentary flickering blip in the infinite reach of the cosmos.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "momentary blip", ensure the context clearly indicates that the event is indeed temporary and not indicative of a larger trend. For instance, 'The initial dip in sales was just a "momentary blip", with figures quickly rebounding the following month.'

Common error

Avoid using "momentary blip" to describe situations where the disruption could be prolonged or have lasting effects. It's misleading to downplay a significant issue with this phrase if the situation's long-term impact is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "momentary blip" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It describes a temporary and often insignificant event or deviation from a norm. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "momentary blip" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a temporary and often insignificant deviation from a norm. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally appropriate, be mindful of the context and avoid using it to downplay potentially serious or long-lasting issues. Alternatives like "temporary setback" or "brief anomaly" may be more suitable in formal settings. When writing, ensure you aren't assuming permanence when characterizing the event as only a "momentary blip".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting deviation

Draws attention to the temporary departure from a standard or expected course.

brief interruption

Highlights the temporary cessation of a process or activity.

brief anomaly

Highlights the irregularity of the event, suggesting it's an unusual occurrence.

transient fluctuation

Indicates a temporary rise and fall, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

short-lived disruption

Emphasizes the disturbance caused by the blip and its transient nature.

passing irregularity

Highlights that the irregularity is not permanent and will soon pass.

minor hiccup

Suggests a small and insignificant problem or interruption.

temporary setback

Focuses on the negative aspect of the blip, emphasizing a temporary hindrance.

momentary lapse

Implies a brief failure or error in judgment or performance.

temporary downturn

Focuses on a brief period of decline or decrease in performance or condition.

FAQs

What does "momentary blip" mean?

A "momentary blip" refers to a brief or temporary deviation from a normal or expected state, often implying that the situation will quickly return to its original condition.

How can I use "momentary blip" in a sentence?

You can use "momentary blip" to describe a short-lived event that doesn't significantly alter the overall trend. For example, "The stock market's slight decline was just a "momentary blip", and prices are expected to rise again soon."

What can I say instead of "momentary blip"?

You can use alternatives like "temporary setback", "brief anomaly", or "short-lived disruption" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "momentary blip" in formal writing?

While "momentary blip" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "transient fluctuation" or "brief deviation" in highly formal or scientific contexts.