this very moment

USAGE SUMMARY

"this very moment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the present time. For example, "I can feel the excitement of this very moment!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not right this very moment.

The New York Times

This very moment?

The Guardian - Film

Low point: This very moment.

The Guardian - Music

I've trained all my life for this very moment".

The New York Times - Magazine

The birds are flying, but silence this very moment".

The New Yorker

That visa isn't renewed at this very moment.

The New York Times

That is the case at this very moment.

The Guardian

It is playing on my stereo at this very moment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Oxitec, at this very moment, is not in the position to be of great help.

Independent

Some may be writing letters protesting the New Start treaty at this very moment.

The New York Times

David Cameron and Ken Clarke might be musing on that at this very moment!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this very moment" to add emphasis to the present, making your writing more impactful. For example, "I need your help at this very moment."

Common error

Avoid using "this very moment" excessively, as it can make your writing sound melodramatic. Use simpler alternatives like "now" or "at the moment" when emphasis is not needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this very moment" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize the present and immediate nature of the situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this very moment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to highlight the present time, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, but can also appear in scientific and business settings, according to Ludwig's analysis. While effective for adding emphasis, it's best to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "right now" or "at the moment" for more general references to the present. Remember to use "this very moment" strategically to maximize its impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right now

Shorter and more direct, emphasizing the immediate present.

in this instant

Emphasizes the immediacy of the current situation.

at this instant

More formal and emphasizes a specific point in time.

at the moment

A common and slightly less emphatic alternative.

here and now

Emphasizes both location and time, focusing on the present experience.

at the present time

A more verbose and slightly more formal alternative.

as we speak

Indicates something is happening concurrently with the act of speaking.

at present

Formal and indicates the current period.

at this juncture

Formal and often used to describe a critical point in time.

in real-time

Often used in technical or digital contexts to indicate immediate processing or occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "this very moment" in a sentence?

"This very moment" emphasizes the present time. For example, "At "this very moment", I am happy," highlights the current feeling.

What are some alternatives to "this very moment"?

Alternatives include "right now", "at present", or "at the moment", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "at the moment" or "this very moment"?

"This very moment" adds more emphasis and immediacy compared to the more general phrase "at the moment". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "in this moment" and "this very moment"?

"This very moment" emphasizes the specific present time, while "in this moment" is broader and can refer to the experience or feeling of being present. Consider the subtle difference to choose the most appropriate phrase.