moments when

USAGE SUMMARY

"moments when" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to specific moments or instances, for example: "I cherish the moments when my family comes together for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The two moments when N.Y.

The New Yorker

Moments when they forgot she was there.

The New York Times

There were moments when she appeared exhausted.

The New York Times - Sports

These are the moments when time slows.

The New York Times

There were moments when I branched out.

The New York Times

They have moments when you're thinning and moments when you're kind of on autopilot.

The New York Times - Sports

There were moments when I considered that.

The Guardian - Sport

Encourage moments when staff unite in celebration.

The Guardian

There are moments when I wonder.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There were moments when Mapletoft raised hopes.

The Guardian - Sport

There were moments when no one touched.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moments when" to highlight specific instances, especially when emphasizing brevity or particular significance. For example: "Those are the "moments when" I tear up."

Common error

While versatile, "moments when" can sound less formal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "instances where" or "occasions when" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moments when" functions as a relative clause, introducing information about specific instances in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct. Many examples illustrate its function in connecting events to specific times.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moments when" is a versatile phrase used to connect specific instances in time to particular events or experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing to maintain the appropriate register. Remember to use this phrase to emphasize brief periods and significant instances, and avoid overuse in strictly formal settings. Examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread application in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

times when

Replaces "moments" with the more general term "times", indicating a period without necessarily implying brevity.

occasions when

Substitutes "moments" with "occasions", suggesting a more formal or significant instance.

instances where

Replaces "moments when" with "instances where", focusing on specific cases or occurrences rather than the time aspect.

situations where

Uses "situations" to highlight the circumstances surrounding the event, shifting focus from the specific moment.

periods in which

Emphasizes a longer duration or span of time compared to "moments", suitable for describing extended phases.

junctures at which

Replaces "moments" with the more formal term "junctures", indicating critical or decisive points in time.

stages where

Substitutes "moments" with "stages", focusing on sequential phases or steps in a process.

turning points when

Emphasizes significant moments of change or decision, adding a layer of importance to the instance.

episodes where

Uses "episodes" to describe distinct events or incidents, often within a larger narrative or context.

the instant that

Focuses on the precise point in time something occurs, stressing immediacy

FAQs

How can I use "moments when" in a sentence?

Use "moments when" to refer to specific instances in time when something happens. For example, "There are "moments when" I wonder if I'm on the right path." It connects a specific time to an event or feeling.

What are some alternatives to "moments when"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "times when", "occasions when", or "instances where".

Is "moments when" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "moments when" might sound less formal in some contexts. In very formal writing, consider alternatives like "junctures at which" or "situations where".

What's the difference between "moments when" and "times when"?

"Moments when" emphasizes a brief period, while "times when" can refer to a more extended duration. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the brevity of the instance.