up to that moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "up to that moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific point in time before an event or change occurs. Example: "She had been happy up to that moment, but everything changed when she received the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The manic energy leading up to that moment flattened out.

The New York Times - Travel

"Once again, we failed to live up to that moment".

The Guardian - Sport

Up to that moment, everyone thought it was mauve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The rest of "Cherry" describes the far more innocent years leading up to that moment.

The New York Times - Books

Indiana Pacers Basketball: Once Again, We Failed To Live Up To That Moment.

The Guardian - Sport

Up to that moment Mrs. Green had called the bird, if anything, "Butch".

The Guardian

The truth is that, up to that moment, I had not read a single story by Schulz.

The New Yorker

Up to that moment, I thought my listening skills were as good as the next person's maybe better.

Harvard Business Review

Up to that moment they hadn't exchanged a single word and hadn't touched one another, not even a finger.

The Guardian - Books

Up to that moment she hadn't realized that the elusive Hughes was working with a second family.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And in the 74th minute of a rugged, physical and up-to-that-moment scoreless Cup Final, he loped into the Stoke penalty box to strike a historic goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When narrating a sequence of events, use "up to that moment" to emphasize the culmination of previous actions or circumstances leading to a crucial turning point.

Common error

Avoid using "up to that moment" when simply referring to a general timeframe without a specific, pivotal event marking its end. Use phrases like "previously" or "before then" for broader temporal references.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up to that moment" functions as an adverbial phrase specifying a temporal boundary. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating the time leading to a specific event, setting the stage for a change or realization. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "up to that moment" is a versatile phrase that effectively establishes a temporal reference point, marking the conditions leading to a specific event. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various writing styles, from news articles to scientific reports. To avoid common errors, it's important to use this phrase when establishing a temporal scope associated with an event. Consider alternatives like "until then" or "prior to that time" depending on the context. Remember, by setting a temporal boundary, the phrase builds suspense and emphasizes the impact of the subsequent event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

until that point

This alternative is a more general way of indicating a temporal limit.

until then

This alternative offers a more concise way to express the same temporal boundary.

beforehand

This alternative is a simple, direct way to indicate something happening before a specific event.

prior to that time

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the temporal precedence.

before that instance

This alternative highlights a specific event or occurrence.

previous to that occasion

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the preceding nature of the time.

leading up to then

This alternative focuses on the period preceding the moment.

in advance of that

This alternative highlights a situation occurring before a specific moment.

in the time before that

This alternative breaks the phrase, but offers a descriptive way of indicating the period preceding the moment.

heretofore

This alternative indicates all time leading up to that point.

FAQs

How can I use "up to that moment" in a sentence?

You can use "up to that moment" to describe a state or condition that existed before a significant event or change. For example, "Up to that moment, I had never experienced anything like it."

What phrases are similar to "up to that moment"?

Similar phrases include "until then", "prior to that time", or "before that instance". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "up to that moment" and "until that moment"?

While similar, "up to that moment" emphasizes the period leading to a specific point, whereas "until that moment" focuses on the duration extending to that point. Therefore, "until that moment" implies a continuous state, "Up to that moment" emphasizes the conditions beforehand.

Can "up to that moment" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "up to that moment" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider using "prior to that time" for a more elevated tone.