What is the difference between “At this moment” and “At this time”? I’ve heard the first one on a series and I think it means “now”, could “At the moment” be used instead?
-
I’m asking if “At this moment” could be interchangeable with “at the moment”. And Does “at this moment” mean the same as “at this time”?– SNCXJan 12, 2020 at 6:13
-
2"At the/this moment" usually mean "right now". "At this time" usually refers to a longer period that includes the present.– Kate BuntingJan 12, 2020 at 9:29
-
It is not uncommon to say “at this moment in time” too, which has always struck me as overkill. While @KateBunting is correct, my feeling is that these expressions all overlap to quite a considerable extent. Only context can tell us which to use.– Orbital AussieJan 13, 2020 at 5:53
-
Now is preferable. And shorter.– John LawlerJun 29, 2022 at 15:32
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
At this/the moment and at this time mean roughly the same thing: right now; in the present. However, they carry different connotations.
X is true at the moment.
This means that X is true at the instant when the speaker says this. However, it suggests that X is likely to change soon. I might say "I'm home at the moment, but I'll be at work in an hour."
X is true at this time.
This also means that X is true at the instant when the speaker says this. However, it suggests that X is likely to take a long time to change. I might say "Our company cannot give any refunds at this time." This is a more formal, heavy phrase, and it is often used when denying a request: a politician might say "I can't comment on that at this time."
