until this moment

USAGE SUMMARY

'until this moment' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the present time, and can be used to highlight the contrast between the state of things before the present moment, and after the present moment. For example, "I had never been to Italy before, but since I arrived here I've been swept away by its beauty - until this moment, I had no idea what I was missing!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Until this moment, I hadn't connected you!" he said.

The New Yorker

For Levi, "Auschwitz" had not, until this moment, existed.

The New Yorker

Actually, until this moment they had been virtual friends.

The Guardian - Music

Because until this moment, Hollande's ideological copybook has been impeccable.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Every second up until this moment has been wasted.

The New Yorker

Until this moment, swans were romantic creatures to me, symbols of love, grace and transformation.

The New York Times

"It was only a question of time until this moment arrived".

The New York Times

Until this moment, I have had no idea where Mr. and Mrs. Marx are going.

The New Yorker

Has the child been grounded from the gadget for weeks until this moment?

The New York Times

"Drain You," Nirvana, that whole era — it had been a dormant chapter until this moment.

The New Yorker

"Until this moment we have not entered the city," Gen al-Saadi said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until this moment" to emphasize a change or realization that occurs precisely at the present time. It creates a sense of immediacy and contrast with the past.

Common error

Avoid using "until this moment" when referring to past events. The phrase is best suited for describing situations leading directly to the present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until this moment" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a temporal adjunct. Ludwig examples showcase its use to modify verbs or clauses, indicating the duration leading up to the present instant. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "until this moment" is a temporal phrase used to emphasize a change, realization, or event that is occurring right now. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various sources. While versatile, it is best used to highlight a contrast between the present and the past, and should be avoided when referring exclusively to past events. Ludwig examples are predominantly found in News & Media and Science, indicating its broad applicability in different contexts. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar temporal relationships, allowing writers to fine-tune their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up to now

Replaces "moment" with a more general timeframe, implying a similar duration.

until the present time

Uses a more formal tone to denote the current period.

to this point

Emphasizes the culmination of events leading to the present situation.

before now

A simpler, more direct way to express the period leading to the present.

as of yet

Highlights that something hasn't happened before the current moment.

heretofore

A more archaic and formal term indicating "before this time".

thus far

Indicates progress or duration leading to the current moment.

previously

Focuses on the past, before the current instant, with less emphasis on the exact moment.

up until then

Shifts the reference point from the present to a specific time in the past.

until then

Refers to a future moment from a past perspective, unlike "until this moment".

FAQs

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

Use "until this moment" to highlight a realization or change happening right now, contrasting it with the past. For example, "I didn't understand the problem "until this moment"".

What phrases are similar to "until this moment"?

Alternatives include "up to now", "until the present time", or "heretofore", depending on the desired tone and context.

Is it correct to say "until this moment" when referring to the past?

No, "until this moment" refers to the present. To refer to a past time, use phrases like "up until then" or "previously".

What's the difference between "until this moment" and "until now"?

"Until this moment" often implies a specific realization or change happening presently, while "until now" generally refers to a continuous state leading to the present.