What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instant
Example
The car crashed in an instant. [instant: noun]
Example
I need an instant response from you. [instant: adjective]
Example
In an instant, the storm hit and the sky turned dark. [instant: adverb]
moment
Example
I'll be back in a moment. [moment: noun]
Example
That was a momentous occasion in our history. [momentous: adjective]
Example
The moment I saw her, I knew she was the one. [moment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Moment is more commonly used than instant in everyday language. Moment is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while instant is more specific and technical.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instant and moment?
Both instant and moment can be used in formal and informal contexts, but instant may be more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, while moment is more commonly used in everyday language.
