Mastering "during that moment": A Simple Grammar Guide

Have you ever found yourself needing to talk about a very specific point in time in English? Sometimes, "then" or "at that time" just doesn't quite capture the feeling. That's where the adverbial phrase "during that moment" comes in handy! It helps you describe exactly when something happened, adding precision to your sentences. This guide will help ESL learners understand its meaning, learn how to use adverbial phrases like this naturally, and avoid common mistakes to improve your fluency in English.

Table of Contents

• What Does "during that moment" Mean?
• What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is "during-that-moment"
• Example Sentences with "during that moment"
• When and How to Use "during that moment"
• Summary and Practice Tip

What Does "during that moment" Mean?

"During that moment" means at that specific, brief point in time or within the duration of that particular instance. It is used to indicate when an action or event occurred, emphasizing its occurrence within a very limited timeframe. This phrase helps to modify verbs by telling us when something happened.

It highlights a single, often impactful, instance. Think of it as zooming in on a very short period on a timeline.

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What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is "during that moment"?

"During that moment" is an adverbial phrase of time. It describes when an action takes place. This type of phrase often answers the question "When?"

Let's break down its grammatical structure:

• "During": This is a preposition that means "throughout the course or duration of (a period of time)" (as defined by Cambridge Dictionary).
• "That": This is a demonstrative determiner. It points to a specific, previously mentioned or understood moment.
• "Moment": This is a noun, referring to a very brief period of time.

Together, these words form a prepositional phrase that functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It usually appears at the end of a sentence but can also be at the beginning for emphasis.

Sample sentence patterns:

• Subject + Verb + [Adverbial Phrase]
  • She hesitated during that moment. (Typical position)
• [Adverbial Phrase], Subject + Verb
  • During that moment, he realized his mistake. (For emphasis or storytelling)

More: Mastering During the Night A Grammar Guide for English Learners

Example Sentences with "during that moment"

Here are some natural sentence examples to help you see "during that moment" in context:

• The entire stadium went silent during that moment of anticipation.
• She felt a sudden surge of fear during that moment just before the presentation.
• Person A: Did you notice anything strange when the lights flickered? Person B: No, I was too busy laughing during that moment to pay attention.
• Person A: Was he calm when he received the news? Person B: Surprisingly, he remained completely still and collected during that moment.

More: Mastering 'Before He Left': A Simple Grammar Guide

When and How to Use "during that moment"

"During that moment" is versatile and can be used in various situations, especially when you want to highlight a specific, brief point in time. It is suitable for both formal and informal communication, including emails, speech, storytelling, and giving instructions.

Typical use cases:

• Storytelling: To pinpoint a crucial or impactful instant in a narrative. "The protagonist looked up, and during that moment, he saw his future."
• Describing reactions: To show how someone felt or acted at a particular instance. "She froze during that moment of surprise."
• Emphasizing brevity: To stress that an action or feeling lasted for a very short, singular period.

Common variations or related phrases include "at that moment," "in that instant," or "just then." While similar, "during that moment" often implies a very slight duration or a state within that brief time, whereas "at that moment" can simply mark a point.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Missing "that": Saying "during moment" is incorrect. You need the determiner "that" to specify which moment.
• Wrong preposition: Using "in that moment" instead of "during that moment" can sometimes be acceptable, but "during" specifically emphasizes the duration or course of that brief time, even if very short. "In that moment" tends to focus more on the point itself.

Summary and Practice Tip

In summary, "during that moment" is a powerful adverbial phrase of time that helps you describe events occurring at a specific, brief point. It adds precision and emphasizes the temporal aspect of an action or state. Remember its structure: during + that + moment, and its flexibility in sentence position.

Practice Tip: To master this phrase, try writing three sentences of your own describing a memory or a scene. In each sentence, use "during that moment" to highlight a specific, important instant. Share them with a friend or a teacher for feedback! For more English grammar help and to learn other useful adverbial phrases, explore our other articles on sentence structure and ESL writing tips.