moments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific instances or periods of time, often in a reflective or significant context. Example: "There are moments in life that change us forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was similar scenes moments later in Ballieston, Glasgow East, where Sturgeon cast her vote with her husband and SNP chief executive, Peter Murrell.

The Guardian

Often the first thing new recruits get from party HQ is an email begging for time and money On the campaigning trail I saw a few moments of charismatic evangelism and a lot of robotic data collection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Great sporting moments - It's hard to imagine the average FA boss storming onto the pitch during a World Cup game to get a goal overturned but that is what Kuwait FA president Prince Fahid did in 1982 against France, claiming that his players had heard a whistle and stopped playing.

The Guardian - Sport

"Moments that are saturated with meaning, but whose meaning cannot be put into words".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not only do they bring huge audiences to the broadcasters, regularly dominating the end-of-year list of most-watched programmes, but for ITV they deliver the so called "water-cooler moments" that advertisers crave.

The Guardian - Sport

Call it a sixth sense, but there are moments when Lost in Showbiz feels the hands of its readers tugging imploringly at its sleeve, their faces upturned, their eyes beseeching, an urgent question forming on their lips.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The election programme is one of those moments when the corporation sets out to prove why it exists.

The Guardian

If I do undergo transplant surgery, I know it will mean that someone in his or her darkest moments of loss has reached out to a stranger and offered them a future with the gift of their loved one's organs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Moments later, his team-mate Alessio Cerci struck the winner, sparking such bedlam at the Stadio Olimpico that the team's goalkeeping coach, Beppe Zinetti, wound up tearing an Achilles tendon.

The Guardian - Sport

However, she says: "Sometimes it comes back at unexpected moments.

The Guardian - Music

It would be only one of a series of moments in which all those connected with Falkirk would experience the realisation that the biggest day of the season would belong to the other fellow.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a process or sequence, employ "moments" to mark significant milestones or turning points. This adds structure and clarity to your explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "moments" excessively in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "instances", "periods", or "occasions" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moments" functions primarily as a noun, typically referring to short periods of time or specific instances. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically sound and commonly found in diverse written contexts. The examples illustrate its role in describing events, feelings, and turning points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Sport

19%

Lifestyle

14%

Less common in

Books

4%

Music

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moments" is a grammatically correct and very common noun used to denote short periods or specific instances in time. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts. As evidenced by the analyzed data, "moments" frequently appears in news, sports, and lifestyle content, carrying a primarily neutral tone. When writing, vary your word choice and avoid overuse of "moments" to maintain engagement and prevent repetition. Alternatives such as "instances", "periods", or "occasions" can enrich your writing and offer nuanced meanings, depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant instances

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the events.

Periods of time

Emphasizes duration rather than specific points.

Specific instances

Highlights individual occurrences rather than a general timeframe.

Brief periods

Highlights short duration of time.

Particular junctures

Suggests critical or significant points in time.

Fleeting instances

Implies that the events happened quickly.

Certain occasions

Implies events or happenings at specific times.

Key episodes

Focuses on memorable or important events.

Select instances

Emphasizes a careful choice of occurrences.

Notable occasions

Highlights events that are worthy of attention.

FAQs

How can I use "moments" in a sentence?

You can use "moments" to refer to specific instances in time, like "moments of joy" or "defining moments". It's often used to highlight the significance of a particular time.

What phrases can I use instead of "moments"?

Alternatives include "instances", "periods", "occasions", or "episodes", depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "in moments"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "in moments" is less common than phrases like "for a moment" or "at times". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "moments" and "minutes"?

"Moments" generally refers to brief, often emotionally charged instances, while "minutes" refers to a specific unit of time. You might experience "moments of panic" during the last few "minutes" of a game.