a dream of a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dream of a second" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express a fleeting or momentary aspiration or desire. Example: "In that fleeting moment, I had a dream of a second where everything felt perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That made 2009's Mercury-nominated Primary Colours a dream of a second album.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The most obvious wartime memorial in the piece is the trumpet cadenza in the second movement, a dream of a Last Post-like fanfare that drifts into the music's consciousness.

The Guardian - Music

She knows that a lot of women dream of a second career as a novelist, but is not bashful about how elusive success can be.

The New York Times

He might even dream of a second title.

The Guardian - Sport

Ironically, Scotland owes Thatcher something after all but so far we can only dream of a second Enlightenment.

The Guardian - Books

And he still harbors a dream of capturing his first title on the PGA Tour.

The New York Times - Sports

Abby Harris Astronaut Abby is a 15-year-old girl with a dream of being the first astronaut to go to Mars.

Huffington Post

The dream of a first appearance at a European Championship is close to becoming a remarkable reality for Michael O'Neill's team after everything fell into place in Torshavn.

The Guardian - Sport

The dream of a third party has not died yet.

The New York Times

It is Ronaldo and Portugal who can dream of a first international trophy.

The Guardian - Sport

Most young bands dream of a third album as transformative as Vampire Weekend's Modern Vampires of the City.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dream of a second" sparingly to emphasize the fleeting nature of the aspiration. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a dream of a second" in literal contexts where a precise measurement of time is needed. This phrase is best suited for expressing brief, imaginative desires, not actual durations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function is to serve as a noun phrase functioning adjectivally. It modifies an implied noun, describing the brief and aspirational quality of something experienced or desired. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dream of a second" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a fleeting aspiration or momentary desire. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and has a neutral register, suitable for various writing styles. Remember to use this phrase sparingly to maintain its impact, and avoid using it in contexts that require precise time measurements. Alternative phrases include "a fleeting aspiration" or "a momentary desire".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting aspiration

Focuses on the brief nature of the aspiration, omitting the 'dream' aspect.

a momentary desire

Replaces 'dream' with 'desire' emphasizing the feeling of wanting something briefly.

a quick fantasy

Substitutes 'dream' with 'fantasy', highlighting the imaginative aspect and 'second' with 'quick'.

a brief wish

Uses 'wish' instead of 'dream', suggesting a less intense form of aspiration and replacing 'second' with 'brief'.

a split-second hope

Emphasizes the extremely short duration of the hope, using 'split-second' for greater impact.

a passing fancy

Suggests a whim or fleeting interest, replacing 'dream' and 'second' with more general terms.

a short-lived ambition

Highlights the ambition but emphasizes that it doesn't last long, using 'short-lived'.

a transient yearning

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the longing or desire, using more formal language.

an ephemeral vision

Uses 'ephemeral' to stress the fleeting and insubstantial nature of the vision.

a swift inclination

Implies a rapid and brief tendency or preference.

FAQs

What does "a dream of a second" mean?

The phrase "a dream of a second" refers to a fleeting or momentary aspiration, desire, or hope. It signifies a wish that exists for an extremely brief period.

How can I use "a dream of a second" in a sentence?

You can use "a dream of a second" to describe a short-lived aspiration, for example: "In that moment, I had "a dream of a second" where everything felt perfect."

What are some alternatives to "a dream of a second"?

You can use alternatives like "a fleeting aspiration", "a momentary desire", or "a brief wish", depending on the context.

Is "a dream of a second" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a dream of a second" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English to describe a very short moment of aspiration or desire.