the moment at which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the moment at which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific point in time when something occurs or is expected to occur. Example: "The moment at which the decision was made changed the course of the project entirely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Worse, though, is the moment at which Timothy confesses.

The New York Times

"They're about the moment at which domestic life becomes poetical.

The New York Times

The moment at which water freezes has been difficult to calculate.

Princeton University

This responsibility extends well beyond the moment at which individuals put their ideas into the world.

Harvard University

Longitudinal network data recording the moment at which ties appear, change, or disappear are increasingly available.

Social Networks

Not always can a writer pinpoint the moment at which a book sprouted inside him.

The New Yorker

Sharif was referring to the moment at which the Islamic Courts became an armed militia.

The New Yorker

Was this the aboriginal shattering, the moment at which he became double- or triple-natured?

The New York Times - Books

Best of all is the moment at which, utterly engulfed by her campaign, she faints.

The New Yorker

The microlude marks the moment at which women begin to take charge of the "Ring".

The New Yorker

Rick, too, was confused about the moment at which "the plug will be pulled".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the moment at which" to pinpoint a critical point in time when a significant change or event occurs. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing and analytical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "the moment at which" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "when" or "the time that" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the moment at which" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time of an action or event. Examples from Ludwig show it introducing clauses that describe specific instances or turning points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the moment at which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI explains, it serves to pinpoint a specific time, adding emphasis and formality to writing. While effective for precise articulation, it's crucial to reserve its use for formal settings, opting for simpler alternatives like "when" in more casual scenarios. Remember to use it to highlight significance and formality in suitable contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the instant when

Replaces "moment at which" with "instant when", suggesting a more immediate and sudden occurrence.

the point when

Substitutes "moment at which" with "point when", offering a more general and less dramatic alternative.

the time that

Uses "time that" instead of "moment at which", providing a simpler and more common alternative.

when

Offers a brief single-word substitute to "the moment at which", creating a simpler sentence structure.

the precise time when

Adds emphasis on exactness compared to "the moment at which".

the juncture at which

Replaces "moment at which" with "juncture at which", suggesting a more formal and significant turning point.

the stage when

Replaces "moment at which" with "stage when", implying a phase or step in a process.

the occasion when

Substitutes "moment at which" with "occasion when", referring to a specific event or circumstance.

at which point

Inverts the structure while retaining the core meaning and formality.

as soon as

Implies immediacy and swiftness compared to "the moment at which".

FAQs

What does "the moment at which" mean?

The phrase "the moment at which" refers to a specific point in time when something happens or a condition changes. It's a formal way of saying "when" or "at the time that".

How can I use "the moment at which" in a sentence?

Use "the moment at which" to clearly identify a specific point in time. For example, "That was "the moment at which the leadership lurched into criminal irresponsibility"."

What are some alternatives to "the moment at which"?

Alternatives include "the instant when", "the point when", "the time that", or simply "when", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "the moment at which" formal or informal?

"The moment at which" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, using "when" or "the time that" might be more suitable.