a brief second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very short amount of time, often to emphasize the fleeting nature of a moment. Example: "I just need a brief second to gather my thoughts before we continue the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

For a brief second, the flags of scores of nations were bent downward by the blast.

The New York Times

For a brief second, the old man seemed at a loss.

The New Yorker

— a delay of more than three hours — and a brief second delay followed.

The New York Times - Sports

A brief second marriage, to Piet Miljo, a South African, ended in divorce.

The New York Times

It was a brief second, too short a moment after a long day.

The Guardian

For a brief second I wondered if he somehow had seen me through the television.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

A brief second-half comeback could not mask those deficiencies and the optimism that surrounded the club after they won their opening nine games is ebbing away.

The Guardian - Sport

The Hoyas (2-1) shoff off Monday's loss to unranked Georgia and a brief second-half run by the Chanticleers (0-2) to win at McDonough Arena in Washington.

The New York Times - Sports

Migliónico and Blasi each made solid debuts here – as part of a back three and in central midfield respectively – while Seferovic enjoyed a brief second-half cameo off the bench.

The Guardian - Sport

A brief first marriage ended in divorce in 1963.

The New York Times

Durant led a brief third-quarter rally that cut the deficit to 69-62.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "a brief second" is suitable when you want to stress how remarkably short the time span is.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief second" when describing actions or events that take more than a second or two. It's meant to denote a very short, almost imperceptible amount of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief second" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the duration of an action or state. Ludwig examples show its use in describing fleeting moments of perception, thought, or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief second" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a very short period of time. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts, spanning from News & Media to science. While alternatives like "a short moment" or "a fleeting instant" exist, "a brief second" maintains its utility due to its straightforwardness and wide applicability. It's crucial to use the phrase accurately, ensuring it aligns with actions or events that genuinely occur within an extremely short timeframe. The neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles and audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short moment

Emphasizes the brevity of the time period using a slightly different noun.

a fleeting instant

Highlights the transient nature of the time, suggesting it passes quickly and is almost imperceptible.

a split second

Indicates an even shorter duration, emphasizing the speed and near-instantaneous nature of the event.

a quick flash

Focuses on the sudden and rapid appearance of something, rather than the duration.

a mere instant

Emphasizes the insignificance or unimportance of the duration.

a moment's pause

Suggests a short break or interruption, rather than a general measure of time.

a tiny interval

Highlights the smallness of the time period in a more technical or precise way.

a fractional moment

Stresses that it's only a fraction of a moment.

a short span

Describes a time period but might also refer to distance or length.

a rapid beat

Conveys a similar idea of extremely short duration, often associated with rhythm or pulse.

FAQs

How can I use "a brief second" in a sentence?

Use "a brief second" to describe something that happens very quickly. For example, "For "a brief second", I thought I saw a ghost."

What are some alternatives to "a brief second"?

Alternatives include "a short moment", "a fleeting instant", or "a split second", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "a brief second" or "a short second"?

"A brief second" is generally preferred as it emphasizes the fleeting and almost imperceptible nature of the time. "A short second" is less common.

Can "a brief second" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a brief second" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its neutrality allows for broad application across different registers.