next moment when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "next moment when" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in a narrative context to describe a subsequent event or action that occurs immediately after a previous moment. Example: "In the next moment when the door creaked open, everyone turned to see who had entered."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The anticipated had become the realized, at least for a moment, until the next moment, when the worry crept back.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is in a quandary.The next moment when Japan could join will be late next month when founding members are to sign the bank's articles of incorporation.

The Economist

Ms. Parkinson has a moment, for example, when she scrutinizes another dancer's foot as if seeking the truth that she will find the next moment when she looks into his face.

The New York Times - Arts

Deborah Seliner says she does not remember the accident, just one moment when she was driving her used 1997 Ford pickup along Highway 6 near College Station and the next moment when she was in the dark carrying on a conversation with someone she decided was God.

The New York Times

The next moment, when new contents appear, will be experienced as more of or other expressions of the same moment.

SEP

The symbol wp[jx] indicates the most possible grid of the next moment when the node now in the location j.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

My next moment, was when I was re-reading "Il Gattopardo," "The Leopard" — that compelling book that never leaves my bedside.

The New York Times

Morsy was at the heart of the game's next big moment when he fouled Newell, only for the young Peterborough midfielder to kick out and earn himself a straight red.

BBC

Our destinies are determined by our next moments and when we get bogged down by the past, we are flat-lining them.

Huffington Post

It is often prudent to note the sense next to the moment when undertaking such problems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This way your mind will be truly free to wonder, and your brain won't miss the next light bulb moment when it happens.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "next moment when", consider if a simpler, more direct phrase like "immediately after" or "the following moment" would be clearer and more impactful. Use "next moment when" when you want to emphasize a brief pause or anticipation before the next event.

Common error

Avoid using "next moment when" repeatedly in your writing. Overuse can make your text sound repetitive and unnatural. Vary your sentence structure with simpler alternatives to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next moment when" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating time. It specifies the timing of an event relative to a previous one, focusing on immediacy and sequence. As Ludwig shows, this phrase appears in narrative contexts to connect events closely in time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "next moment when" is used to describe a subsequent event occurring immediately after a previous one, often implying anticipation. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig flags it as potentially awkward, suggesting simpler alternatives such as "immediately after" or "the following moment". Its usage is somewhat uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media sources. The phrase functions as an adverbial phrase to establish temporal relationships and create immediacy in storytelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very next instant

Highlights a higher sense of immediacy, an event following without delay.

immediately after

Focuses on the direct succession of events, removing the sense of anticipation.

directly afterwards

Emphasizes the consecutiveness of the occurrence.

the instant that followed

Emphasizes the speed and immediacy of the subsequent event.

right after that

More casual, indicates an immediate sequence.

as soon as

Emphasizes the immediate transition from one event to the next, suggesting almost simultaneity.

in the following second

Highlights the precise timing of the next event.

shortly thereafter

Indicates that the next event happened soon after the first, but it is less specific.

upon the heels of

Suggests the next event immediately follows the prior, sometimes implying causality or consequence.

the subsequent time

More formal, emphasizing the chronological sequence.

FAQs

What does "next moment when" mean?

The phrase "next moment when" refers to the immediate subsequent point in time when something occurs or happens. It emphasizes the sequence of events and can imply a sense of anticipation or immediacy.

How can I use "next moment when" in a sentence?

You can use "next moment when" to describe a situation where something happens right after another event. For example: "Deborah Seliner says she does not remember the accident, just one moment when she was driving her used 1997 Ford pickup along Highway 6 near College Station and the next moment when she was in the dark carrying on a conversation with someone she decided was God."

What are some alternatives to "next moment when"?

Some alternatives to "next moment when" include "immediately after", "the following moment", or "shortly thereafter". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "next moment when"?

While not strictly incorrect, the phrase "next moment when" can sound awkward. Ludwig AI indicates that its AI considers the phrase not ideal. Using simpler alternatives can often improve clarity and flow.