momentary lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

"momentary lapse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone deviates from their usual behavior for a brief period of time. For example, "After a momentary lapse of judgment, she decided to go back to her old job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a momentary lapse.

The New York Times - Science

But then I had a momentary lapse.

The New York Times

"Drowning can occur from a momentary lapse in supervision.

The New York Times

Both Adam and Caity dismissed it as a momentary lapse.

The New York Times - Magazine

For Davenport, the break was only a momentary lapse.

The New York Times - Sports

The panel described Wood's "dishonesty" as extremely serious and called it "a momentary lapse of judgment".

The Guardian

It was not a momentary lapse or a brief episode of overaggressiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

In what he would later call a momentary lapse of sanity, he said yes.

The New York Times

The reasons, such as they could be divined or offered, varied: multiple partners, a faulty condom, a momentary lapse.

The New York Times - Magazine

All this reached its apogee in 1987, with the sleeve art for Pink Floyd's A Momentary Lapse of Reason.

The Guardian - Music

Still, in a momentary lapse of caution, Kassar drove to the Málaga airport and boarded a flight to Madrid.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "momentary lapse" to describe a brief, unintentional deviation from expected behavior or judgment. Ensure the context clarifies what standard was lapsed and why it matters.

Common error

Avoid using "momentary lapse" to excuse significant or repeated errors. It's best suited for minor, isolated incidents, not systemic problems or deliberate actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "momentary lapse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a brief period of deviation from expected behavior, judgment, or concentration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "momentary lapse" is a commonly used phrase to describe a brief and unintentional error or failure in judgment, concentration, or behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to explain or excuse minor errors. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the specific context and avoid using it to downplay significant issues. Alternatives like "brief oversight" or "fleeting inattention" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transient lapse in judgment

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes the cognitive aspect of the lapse.

brief oversight

Focuses on the unintentional nature of the error, highlighting a failure to notice something important.

fleeting inattention

Emphasizes the temporary lack of focus or concentration.

temporary slip-up

Suggests a minor error or mistake that is easily corrected.

brief indiscretion

Implies a minor act of poor judgment or inappropriate behavior.

short-lived blunder

Highlights the foolish or careless nature of the mistake and its brief duration.

passing error

Emphasizes the transient nature of the mistake, suggesting it is quickly over and done with.

momentary failing

Focuses on a temporary weakness or inability to perform as expected.

fleeting loss of control

Suggests a brief inability to manage one's actions or emotions.

temporary mental blank

Highlights a short-lived inability to recall information or think clearly.

FAQs

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

You can use "momentary lapse" to describe a short period where someone makes a mistake or loses focus. For example, "The accident was attributed to a "momentary lapse" in the driver's attention".

What's a less formal alternative to "momentary lapse"?

Informally, you could say "brain fart" or "senior moment", though these are much less formal and may not be suitable for professional contexts. A slightly more formal alternative might be "brief oversight".

Is "momentary lapse of reason" the same as "momentary lapse of judgment"?

While similar, "momentary lapse of reason" implies a temporary inability to think logically, while "momentary lapse of judgment" suggests a temporary failure in making a good decision. The best choice depends on the specific context. They can be used as a more descriptive version of "momentary lapse".

What can cause a "momentary lapse"?

A "momentary lapse" can be caused by factors like fatigue, stress, distraction, or even simple boredom. It implies a temporary state, rather than a chronic condition.