until this very instant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "until this very instant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something has been true or ongoing up to the current moment. Example: "I have been waiting for your response until this very instant, and I am starting to lose hope."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Magazine

That bastard is very lucky I'm not shitting him out at this very instant.

Vice

Do it, moreover, this very instant.

The New York Times - Books

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

Let us return to him this very instant.

Huffington Post

What if you could stop suffering this very instant?

Huffington Post

And, perhaps most important, there's a single, which you can hear this very instant.

Los Angeles Times

Latino and low-income caregivers are hit the hardest, says AARP. Alzheimer's Caregivers: Need Professional Advice This Very Instant?

HuffPost

Right now, this very instant is indeed ripe with the possibility of rebirthing you, on your own delicious terms.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until this very instant" to emphasize a change or realization that occurs precisely at the present moment. This phrase adds a sense of urgency and immediacy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "until this very instant" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or stilted in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "until now" or "up to this point".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until this very instant" functions as a prepositional phrase, specifically indicating a duration of time that extends to the present moment. This is used to emphasize the continuity up to the present.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "until this very instant" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to highlight a situation or realization that persists right up to the present moment. Although Ludwig shows limited examples for this phrase, it is deemed correct for use with a neutral, tending towards formal register. When using it, remember to emphasize the importance of the current moment, and be aware of its potential to sound unnatural in casual contexts. Alternatives like "until now" or "up to this moment" may be more appropriate in some situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

until this moment

A more literal synonym, replacing 'instant' with 'moment'.

up to this very moment

Emphasizes the 'very' present moment, adding intensity.

up to now

Focuses on the period leading to the present, less emphatic about the current moment.

until now

Similar to 'up to now', but slightly more common and direct.

until the present time

More formal and less common, replacing 'instant' with a broader term.

up to the present

Similar to 'until the present time', but slightly more concise.

to this day

Implies a longer duration leading up to the present, often used for ongoing situations.

as of now

Highlights the current state from this point forward.

heretofore

A formal and somewhat archaic term for 'until now'.

hitherto

Another formal and less common synonym for 'until now'.

FAQs

How can I use "until this very instant" in a sentence?

Use "until this very instant" to emphasize that something has been true or ongoing right up to the current moment. For example: "I believed everything was fine "until this very instant" when I realized the truth."

What phrases are similar to "until this very instant"?

Alternatives include "up to now", "until now", or "up to this moment". Choose the best fit based on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "until this very instant" formal or informal?

"Until this very instant" leans towards formal usage due to its emphatic nature. While grammatically correct, it might sound out of place in casual conversation. Consider using "until now" or "up to this point" for more informal settings.

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

"Until this very instant" emphasizes the immediacy of the present moment more strongly than "until now". "Until now" simply indicates a point in the past leading to the present, while "until this very instant" highlights a change or realization happening at the exact present time.