at this moment

at this moment — idiom

1. at the present time; used to say that something is happening or is true right no

1.idiomA2
Definition

at the present time; used to say that something is happening or is true right now, often with emphasis on the fact that this is the current situation and might change later.

Example

At this moment, Pim is standing on the train platform waiting for his ride to arrive.

at this moment + [full clause] — emphasises an action in progress right now

I'm sorry, but Dr. Okafor is with another patient at this moment — could you call back in about an hour?

[clause] + at this moment — polite way to say someone is temporarily unavailable

Common collocations
  • at this moment in time
  • at this very moment
Synonyms
  • right now

    More casual and direct; interchangeable with 'at this moment' in most contexts, but slightly less formal.

  • at present

    Slightly more formal; often used in written or professional communication. Can refer to a broader present period rather than a single instant.

  • currently

    Adverb; common in both speech and writing. Emphasises an ongoing state or activity rather than a single point in time.

  • at the present time

    More formal and wordy; often used in official announcements or reports.

Grammar Patterns

at this moment + [clause]

[clause] + at this moment

Usage Note

More emphatic than simply saying 'now' — it draws attention to the present instant as a specific point in time. Often used to contrast the current situation with a past or expected future state, or to explain a temporary limitation (e.g. 'at this moment, I can't help you'). In formal or professional contexts it can soften a refusal or delay.

Common Mistakes

At this moment, I always go to the gym in the morning.
At this moment, I am standing outside the gym waiting for it to open.
'At this moment' refers to a specific present instant, not a habitual action. Use 'these days' or 'nowadays' for habits.
He arrived at this moment.
He arrived at that moment.
Use 'at this moment' for the present (now), and 'at that moment' for a past or future point in time.

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

All four phrases refer to the present, but they differ in formality and time scope. 'Right now' is the most direct and casual — it pinpoints the exact present instant ('Pick up the phone right now'). 'At this moment' is similarly precise but slightly more formal, often used when emphasising that something is happening at this exact instant. 'At present' and 'currently' refer to a broader present period — they can span days or weeks ('She is currently working on a new project'), not just the immediate second. 'At the present time' is the most formal and is common in official statements. For a single, instantaneous present point, use 'right now' or 'at this moment'; for ongoing states, use 'currently' or 'at present'.

right now ↗at present ↗currently ↗at the present time

Etymology

Old EnglishProto-GermanicLatinOld FrenchEnglish

A prepositional phrase formed from Old English 'æt' (near, by), 'þis' (this — from Proto-Germanic *þat), and Latin 'momentum' (a movement, a short period of time) which entered English via Old French 'moment'. The phrase 'at this moment' has been used since the 14th century to refer to the present instant, with the emphatic form 'at this very moment' appearing by the 18th century.