this very instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this very instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize immediacy or urgency, indicating that something should happen right now. Example: "I need you to send me the report this very instant, as the meeting starts in five minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Do it, moreover, this very instant.

The New York Times - Books

At this very instant, a little bit more in the country.

The New York Times - Magazine

I should crawl out of bed this very instant and lend my support to Mr. George.

The New York Times - Books

I'm of the opinion that the equestrianism should be dropped from the Olympics, preferably this very instant.

The Guardian - Sport

That would highlight the problem while also underscoring the most necessary action to be taken this very instant.

The Guardian - Opinion

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet Almost immediately, a furious and beet-red Sen. Cruz began heckling Sen. Paul, calling him a "Kentucky-fried Communist" and demanding that he "apologize to Ronald Reagan this very instant".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

What we need now is the same thing we've needed from the very instant we found out about this crisis.

Huffington Post

Here, overall evaluations are formed and updated at the very instant when new information is obtained, and it is this judgment, and not the information and considerations, that is stored in the long-term memory (e.g. Lodge et al., 1989; McGraw et al., 1990).

Electoral Studies

It didn't have to be at the very instant we brought him into our custody.

The New York Times

"Initially, when I did my knee against Wales, at that very instant I doubted it completely.

The Guardian - Sport

I realized, in that very instant, that I wanted to do a book about female flamenco gypsies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience; while impactful, "this very instant" might be too dramatic for everyday conversation. Other alternatives like "right now" might be better.

Common error

Avoid using "this very instant" too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "now" or "immediately" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this very instant" functions as an adverbial phrase emphasizing the immediacy of an action or event. It modifies a verb or clause to specify the precise timing, indicating that something should occur without delay. Ludwig examples confirm its use in urging prompt action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this very instant" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize immediacy and urgency. Ludwig AI states the phrase is correct and usable. While its usage is not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, especially in news and media. When writing, remember to use "this very instant" judiciously, as overuse can diminish its impact. Consider the alternatives provided, such as "right now" or "immediately", for situations where a less forceful tone is appropriate. Its formal to neutral register makes it fitting for professional or news contexts, enhancing the call for immediate action or attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right now

Focuses on the present moment as the time for action; it's more direct and less formal.

at this moment

Highlights the current time, often in a reflective or observational way.

immediately

Stresses the lack of delay, suitable for instructions and urgent situations.

without delay

Emphasizes prompt action, suitable in formal requests and commands.

forthwith

Indicates immediate compliance, appropriate for formal or legal contexts.

at once

Suggests doing something without hesitation, fitting for urgent commands.

instantaneously

Highlights the lack of time interval, fitting for technical or scientific contexts.

straightaway

British English term that indicates doing something without delay.

in a flash

Emphasizes speed and suddenness; it's more descriptive and less literal.

presently

Can mean 'soon' or 'now,' depending on context; its ambiguity makes it less precise.

FAQs

What does "this very instant" mean?

The phrase "this very instant" means immediately or right now, emphasizing that something should happen without any delay.

What can I say instead of "this very instant"?

You can use alternatives like "right now", "immediately", or "at this moment" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at this very instant"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "at this very instant", although "this very instant" is more common and slightly more emphatic. Both phrases convey the same meaning of immediacy.

How can I make "this very instant" less formal?

To make it less formal, use simpler alternatives like "now" or "right away". The phrase "this very instant" tends to be more emphatic and formal.