the moment when

USAGE SUMMARY

"the moment when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a specific time or situation. For example: "I remember the moment when I first met my wife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is the moment when they reunited.

Independent

This is the moment when starvation begins.

The New Yorker

This is the moment when the secret is exposed.

Yale University

It's the moment when the comedy risks turning tragic.

The New Yorker

She's there at the moment when modernism shapes itself.

The New Yorker

Maybe this is the moment when it catches on".

The New Yorker

Now is the moment when we CAN do something.

The New York Times

This was the moment when Silent Stan would speak.

Independent

Bob gets her at the moment when she's losing herself".

The New York Times

Is this the moment when the game turns?

The New York Times

The moment when I decided I had had enough.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the moment when" to clearly and precisely identify a key event or turning point in your narrative or analysis. Ensure that the clause following "the moment when" directly relates to and explains the significance of that moment.

Common error

Avoid using "the moment when" in overly broad or imprecise contexts. Ensure the specified moment is clearly defined and carries specific importance; otherwise, a simpler phrase like "at that time" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the moment when" functions as an adverbial phrase, introducing a clause that specifies a particular point in time. Ludwig AI confirms this structure is grammatically correct and common. Examples show it sets the stage for a significant event or realization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the moment when" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to pinpoint a specific and often significant point in time. Ludwig AI validates that this is grammatically correct. It’s commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, emphasizing crucial events or realizations. While alternatives like "the instant that" or "the point at which" exist, each carries a slightly different nuance. When using "the moment when", ensure clarity and impact, avoiding overuse in vague contexts to maintain the strength of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the instant that

Emphasizes the immediacy and abruptness of the event.

the second that

Similar to "the instant that", highlights a very brief period.

the point at which

Focuses on the precise juncture where a change occurs.

the occasion that

Emphasizes the event-like nature of the specified time.

the time that

More general, referring to a specific time without strong emphasis.

the juncture where

Highlights the connection between two events.

the stage when

Implies a phase or period within a larger process.

the instance where

Focuses on a specific example or occurrence.

the day that

Refers to a specific day when something happened.

the turning point where

Highlights a significant shift or change in direction.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "the moment when" in a sentence?

Use "the moment when" to pinpoint a specific event or realization. For instance, "I remember "the moment when" I decided to change my career."

What are some alternatives to using "the moment when"?

Consider alternatives like "the instant that", "the point at which", or "the time that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the moment when"?

While grammatically correct, overuse or using it in contexts where the specified moment lacks significance can weaken your writing. Ensure the moment is clearly defined and impactful.

What's the difference between "the moment when" and "at that time"?

"The moment when" emphasizes a specific, often pivotal point, while "at that time" refers to a more general period. Use ""the moment when"" for key events and "at that time" for broader context.