moment
/ˈməʊmənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈməʊmənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmō-mənt/ (ame, mw)
moment — noun
- momentsingular
- momentsplural
1. a brief span that lasts only seconds or a few minutes — short enough that you ca
a brief span that lasts only seconds or a few minutes — short enough that you can sense it passing as you wait.
Bao waited a moment before answering his teacher's question.
quantifier: a moment + before + verb-ing
Could you hold the door open for just a moment, please?
for just a moment — polite request
The power went out for a moment, then the lights came back on.
Ada paused for a moment to catch her breath after running up the stairs.
There was a moment of silence before the crowd began to cheer.
文法句型
a moment
for a moment
moment + of + noun
用法筆記
Often used with quantifiers (a, one, a few) and prepositions (for, in, after). Can be modified by adjectives such as long, brief, or short.
常見錯誤
2. a particular occasion or a specific time when something happens, is experienced,
a particular occasion or a specific time when something happens, is experienced, or matters to someone.
Shoko would always remember the moment when she first held her baby sister.
the moment when [relative clause] — memorable occasion
The moment when Ryo first saw the ocean was unforgettable.
the moment when [relative clause]
The Watanabe family knew from that moment on that their lives had changed forever.
This is a proud moment for the whole team after months of hard work.
Ramón chose that moment to tell everyone the news about his promotion.
文法句型
the moment when/that
a [adjective] moment
from that moment on
the moment of
用法筆記
Can be followed by a relative clause with when, that, or no linker (e.g., 'the moment she walked in'). Also used in possessive phrases such as 'the proudest moment of my life'.
常見錯誤
3. at this present time, now — used to describe what is happening or true right now
at this present time, now — used to describe what is happening or true right now, as you speak.
Eli is at the library at the moment, so he cannot come to the phone.
at the moment with present continuous
We have no job openings at the moment, but please check again next month.
At the moment, the garden is full of roses and lavender.
Sorry, the manager is busy at the moment — can I take a message?
文法句型
at the moment + present tense
at the moment + present continuous
用法筆記
Fixed phrase typically used in spoken English. In formal writing, 'currently' or 'at present' is preferred. British English uses this phrase more often than American English in everyday speech.
常見錯誤
4. for a short period of time starting now, with the understanding that things may
for a short period of time starting now, with the understanding that things may change later — a way of describing a temporary situation or decision.
For the moment, Nala is staying with her cousin while her apartment is being painted.
for the moment — temporary arrangement
Let us put that aside for the moment and move on to the next topic.
put [something] aside for the moment — postpone
The rain has stopped for the moment, but more storms are expected tonight.
Andrew kept his old phone for the moment and saved up for a better one.
- for now
less formal, more common in everyday speech
- temporarily
more formal; focuses on the limited duration
- permanently
opposite in intention — forever, not temporarily
文法句型
for the moment + present tense
leave/put something for the moment
用法筆記
Often interchangeable with 'for now' in casual speech. The contrast with 'at the moment' is important: 'at the moment' states a present fact, while 'for the moment' emphasises that the situation is not permanent.
常見錯誤
5. at that precise instant — used in storytelling to mark the instant when a dramat
at that precise instant — used in storytelling to mark the instant when a dramatic, important, or revealing event takes place, almost like a freeze-frame in a film.
At that moment, the phone rang and everyone turned to look.
at that moment — narrative specific reference point
Just at that moment, the door swung open and Christopher walked into the room.
just at that moment — narrative dramatic timing
At that moment, Élise realised she had left her keys in the car.
It was at that very moment that Aylin made her decision to move abroad.
The car began to slide, and at that moment Mauricio knew he had to move fast.
- at that instant
more precise and sudden; suggests an action without any delay
- then
simpler but less precise; does not carry the same dramatic weight
- at that point
slightly more detached and factual
文法句型
at that/this moment
at that very moment
just at that moment
用法筆記
Often used with 'just' or 'very' for emphasis. The past tense is the most common frame since this phrase typically appears in narratives about completed events.
6. great importance, influence, or significance — used in formal contexts to descri
great importance, influence, or significance — used in formal contexts to describe something that matters a great deal or has lasting consequences.
The discovery was a matter of great moment for the scientific community.
of great moment — formal expression of importance
The president's speech addressed issues of moment that affect every citizen.
issues of moment — important matters
This treaty is of great moment in the history of our two nations.
The judge reminded the jury that they were deciding a case of great moment.
- significance
the closest synonym; used in a wider range of structures
- consequence
similar formality, often paired with 'of' ('of little consequence')
- weight
more figurative, suggesting burden or gravity
- triviality
the quality of being unimportant
- insignificance
lack of importance or worth
文法句型
of moment
of great/little moment
of no moment
用法筆記
Almost always used in the fixed phrases 'of moment', 'of great moment', or 'of little/no moment'. The bare noun in this sense does not appear outside these prepositional constructions. This is a formal, literary usage that is rare in everyday conversation.