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Possible Duplicate:
“Instant” vs. “instantaneous”

I know there is a similar question already answered, but I still have doubts. I was doing a word formation FCE exercise where I had to form an adverb from the word instant in the following sentence.

The artists created their own style and use of colours, which is instantly/instantaneously recognisable.

Is instantly the adverb I should use?

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Perhaps Difference between instantly and instantaneously is the question you looked at; and while it sounds like a duplicate it might not be. However, the example in the older question When should I use instant vs instantaneous makes your question a duplicate. – jwpat7 Apr 9 '12 at 19:41
I'm sorry if I created a duplicate question; as I pointed out, I had read a similar question (and the attached answers), but I was still in doubt about what to use in the specific sentence I was dealing with. – Paola Apr 9 '12 at 20:28
@Paola - For my personal experience, I know how difficult is to find similar question on this website. Hence +1 at all! – Carlo_R. May 4 '12 at 13:07

marked as duplicate by jwpat7, FumbleFingers, Mitch, kiamlaluno, MrHen Apr 14 '12 at 14:41

This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.

1 Answer

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Yes, "instantly" is more appropriate. Nobody will misunderstand you if you use "instantaneously", but you will sound like you're trying to talk above your competency and failing.

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