though fleetingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though fleetingly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs briefly or momentarily, often in a context where the transient nature of the experience is emphasized. Example: "She felt a sense of happiness, though fleetingly, as she watched the sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Shadowy black-clad militia-members also joined in, though fleetingly.

The Economist

Argo presents this context imaginatively, though fleetingly and perhaps too vaguely.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Shadowy black-clad militia joined the melee alongside the red shirts, though only fleetingly.

The Economist

Also marvelous, though too fleetingly seen, are the outsize surreal hands above the dolls.

The New York Times - Arts

When he emerged, they looked at each other and kissed, though more fleetingly than in their now legendary appearance at the Democratic convention.

The New York Times

In the movie's next scene (shot, according to the transcript of the film, the following day), all is calm in the hotel room — and there, out of the blue, though only fleetingly on camera, is Ginsberg, seated and chatting softly with Dylan.

The New Yorker

In the movie's next scene (shot, according to the transcript of the film, the following day), all is calm in the hotel room and there, out of the blue, though only fleetingly on camera, is Ginsberg, seated and chatting softly with Dylan.

The New Yorker

Rih's issue lies with her pace (seven albums in eight years!), a breakneck release schedule that has rendered her yearly albums into four great singles surrounded by 7 questionable though sometimes fleetingly-fun filler tracks.

Huffington Post

Because though I sometimes fleetingly miss the boy that serenaded me with old country greats, it's young me that I mourn in moments of musical melancholy.

Huffington Post

Though customers have stopped by fleetingly to glance at goods, things were unusually quiet at his shop, Shah Bhavanji Kunvarji & Company, which is stacked with all manner of spices and dry fruit.

The New York Times

THOUGH they have surfaced only fleetingly in the opening rounds of the presidential campaign, some of the deepest and most explosive divisions between George W. Bush and John F. Kerry are over the future of retirement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though fleetingly" to add nuance when describing something that occurs briefly but has significance or provides contrast to the surrounding context. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative writing to highlight transient emotions or events.

Common error

Avoid using "though fleetingly" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, simpler alternatives like "briefly" or "momentarily" may be more appropriate for maintaining a concise and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though fleetingly" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding a qualification to a statement. It indicates that something occurred briefly or momentarily, often in contrast to the surrounding context. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though fleetingly" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It acts as an adverbial modifier, adding nuance to a statement by indicating a brief or momentary occurrence. While its usage is relatively uncommon, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, it's important to avoid overusing this phrase in highly formal contexts and to consider simpler alternatives like "briefly". "Though fleetingly" serves to acknowledge brief events while often emphasizing their transience in comparison to the overall situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

briefly

A concise way to indicate something happening quickly.

momentarily

Directly implies something happening for a brief moment.

albeit briefly

Emphasizes the short duration of something, similar to fleetingly, but uses a more formal tone.

transiently

Highlights the temporary nature of something.

if only for a moment

Highlights the momentary nature of an experience or occurrence.

for an instant

Emphasizes the very short duration of an event.

for a short time

Indicates a limited duration, focusing on the temporal aspect.

just for a second

Specifies a very short period of time.

in passing

Suggests a casual or incidental occurrence.

in a flash

Conveys the sudden and rapid nature of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "though fleetingly" in a sentence?

You can use "though fleetingly" to describe something that happens briefly but is still significant, for example: "She felt a moment of joy, "though fleetingly", when she heard the news."

What are some alternatives to "though fleetingly"?

Alternatives include "briefly", "momentarily", or "albeit briefly", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "though fleetingly" formal or informal?

"Though fleetingly" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal writing, although in highly formal contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferred.

What's the difference between "though fleetingly" and "briefly"?

"Briefly" is a more straightforward term for something that doesn't take long. "Though fleetingly" implies a contrast; something happened, but it didn't last. For example: "He considered quitting, "though fleetingly"" suggests he thought about quitting but didn't dwell on the idea.