unusual moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusual moment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a specific time or instance that is out of the ordinary or unexpected. Example: "During the unusual moment when the sun broke through the clouds, everyone paused to admire the beauty of the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But it did rob golf fans of another unusual moment.

The New York Times - Sports

THIS is an unusual moment in religious history.

The Economist

It was one more unusual moment in Rodriguez's increasingly odd career.

The New York Times - Sports

This is an unusual moment in the cultural life of New York.

The New York Times

It's an unusual moment in sports, and the most compelling moment of Sorenstam's career.

The New York Times - Sports

It was an unusual moment: Mr. Berri rarely allows interviews with the Western press.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The campaign has had its unusual moments.

The New York Times

The campaign has had its share of unusual moments.

The New York Times

Major Hasan's decision to represent himself created unusual moments on Tuesday.

The New York Times

The aftermath made for one of the more unusual moments in Egyptian Islamic politics.

The New York Times

WHAT, according to this post, was "one of the more unusual moments in Republican convention history"?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unusual moment" to highlight a deviation from the norm, drawing attention to its distinctiveness and potential significance.

Common error

Avoid using "unusual moment" to describe situations that are only slightly different or lack genuine significance; reserve it for events that truly stand out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusual moment" functions as a noun phrase, where "unusual" modifies the noun "moment". As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to describe a specific time or instance that is out of the ordinary or unexpected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unusual moment" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a time that deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news, arts, and sports reporting, it highlights significant or peculiar events. For more specific connotations, alternatives like "unique occasion" or "rare instance" can be used. When using "unusual moment", ensure the situation warrants its use by being genuinely distinct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncommon event

Simple substitution of "unusual" with "uncommon", maintaining a similar meaning.

unique occasion

Replaces "unusual" with "unique", emphasizing the singularity of the event.

rare instance

Substitutes "unusual" with "rare", highlighting the infrequency of the occurrence.

exceptional circumstance

Replaces both words to convey an extraordinary and uncommon situation.

peculiar event

Emphasizes the odd or strange nature of the event.

singular episode

Focuses on a particular and distinct event, using "singular" to denote its uniqueness.

extraordinary situation

Highlights the atypical nature of the situation.

remarkable occurrence

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of the event.

notable instance

Highlights that the instance is worthy of attention or notice.

atypical juncture

Replaces both words to indicate a point in time that is not typical or standard.

FAQs

How can I use "unusual moment" in a sentence?

You can use "unusual moment" to describe a time that is different from what is expected. For example: "It was an "unusual moment" when the politician admitted his mistake publicly."

What are some alternatives to "unusual moment"?

You can use alternatives such as "unique occasion", "rare instance", or "exceptional circumstance" depending on the context.

Is "unusual moment" formal or informal?

"Unusual moment" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but the specific situation and audience should guide your choice.

What makes an "unusual moment" different from a regular moment?

An "unusual moment" stands out due to its deviation from the norm, often marked by unexpected or noteworthy circumstances. It's a time that's distinctly different from routine occurrences.