for a moment
prep. phr.. A1 Beginner Oxford
prep. phr.. For a very short period of time.
prep. phr.. A prepositional phrase indicating a brief, unspecified duration of time.
Please wait here for a moment.
I thought I lost my keys, but only for a moment; they were in my pocket.
The noise stopped for a moment, and in the sudden, profound silence, she could hear her own heart beating.
Usage
This phrase modifies an action or state, indicating it lasted only a short time.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'at the moment' (meaning 'right now') and 'in a moment' (meaning 'soon') to clarify the different uses of prepositions with 'moment'.
Pitfall
Please wait for moment.Please wait for a moment.The indefinite article 'a' is required before 'moment' in this fixed phrase.