the precise instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the precise instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment in time with accuracy or exactness. Example: "At the precise instant the clock struck midnight, the fireworks lit up the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I was born on 15 August 1947 at the stroke of midnight, the precise instant of India's independence.

The Guardian - Books

Matters like occupation and a marriage partner were decided then, as was the precise instant of death.

The New York Times

IT'S difficult now to isolate the precise instant in my family's history when we began to consider the act of wrapping gifts an art form.

The New York Times - Tech

Handover is accomplished at the precise instant that the total path lengths from the transmitting station through both satellites to the receiving station are exactly equal.

Acta Astronautica

Mr. Ono's standards are so obsessively high that he wanted to shoot each handmade masterwork at "the supreme moment of deliciousness," Mr. Gelb said, which happened to be the precise instant of its creation.

The New York Times - Food

At the precise instant when ET's existence can no longer plausibly be withheld from the adult world, the door is opened to reveal a spaceman - in full Nasa rig.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

We do not modify the growth term in Eq. (8) because the reproduction of tumoral cells depends on the total number of tumor cells (infected and susceptible) at that precise instant t.

Biology Direct

At this precise instant, he folds — just crumples and drops, leaving nothing but a wrinkled sheet on the ground.

The New Yorker

And how can it be that I'm now, at this precise instant, listening -- "on Spotify" -- to a song I've never heard of?

Huffington Post

We also investigated the difference between signaling costs of the NeMHIP and HIP NEMO protocols when a mobility event takes place and the MNNs happen to request rekeying at the same precise instant.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Instant messages also convey the urgency with which Mr. Martoma apparently encouraged Mr. Cohen to sell Elan — and the precise moment when the communication occurred.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the precise instant" to create a sense of immediacy and accuracy in your writing. This phrase is suitable when highlighting a pivotal moment or a critical turning point in a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "the precise instant" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "right now" or "at that moment" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the precise instant" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the exact time of an action or event. Ludwig examples showcase its use in pinpointing key moments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the precise instant" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, employed to denote an exact moment in time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the usage examples demonstrate its applicability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it's not an exceedingly common phrase, it effectively conveys accuracy and immediacy. When selecting an alternative, consider options like "the exact moment" or "the very second" for nuanced variations. Use it judiciously to maintain a natural and precise writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the exact moment

Replaces 'instant' with 'moment', emphasizing a point in time with accuracy.

the very second

Uses 'second' for 'instant' to highlight a brief duration with great precision.

the specific time

Substitutes 'precise instant' with 'specific time', focusing on a particular designated time.

the accurate point

Changes 'precise instant' to 'accurate point', highlighting the accuracy of the moment.

the given moment

Replaces 'precise' with 'given', indicating a particular moment already specified or understood.

the defined second

Similar to "the very second", but highlights the second that was carefully defined.

the designated time

Replaces 'precise instant' with 'designated time', focusing on an appointment of a time.

the pinpointed moment

Substitutes 'precise' with 'pinpointed', emphasizing the exactness of a moment.

the specified instant

Replaces 'precise' with 'specified', referring to an instant that was mentioned.

the terminal moment

Uses 'terminal moment' to indicate the end of something with precision.

FAQs

What does "the precise instant" mean?

The phrase "the precise instant" refers to a specific, exact point in time, emphasizing accuracy and immediacy. It's used to highlight a critical moment.

How can I use "the precise instant" in a sentence?

You can use "the precise instant" to emphasize a key moment. For example: "At "the precise instant" the clock struck midnight, the celebration began."

What can I say instead of "the precise instant"?

You can use alternatives like "the exact moment", "the very second", or "the specific time" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "the precise instant" and "the exact moment"?

While both phrases are similar, "the precise instant" often conveys a stronger sense of immediacy and accuracy compared to "the exact moment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.