a few more seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few more seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a short additional amount of time needed for an action or event to occur. Example: "Please hold on, I just need a few more seconds to finish this task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A few more seconds of footage played.

The New York Times

What use could she have made of even a few more seconds?

The New Yorker

Heads collided, and, after a few more seconds of struggle, the players toppled.

The New Yorker

In a few more seconds, the rocket was pitching itself almost imperceptibly toward the ocean.

The New Yorker

In a few more seconds, there were six Mariners within 10 feet of Cameron.

The New York Times - Sports

I mean, you invite the man here and then insult him?" He listened for a few more seconds.

The New Yorker

6.51pm GMT 90+5 min: Togo take up a few more seconds by replacing Adebayor with Dove Wome.

The Guardian - Sport

He paused, let his mind reflect for a few more seconds, smiled and said, "They were like the Yankees".

The New York Times - Sports

"The clock would have at least given us the opportunity to take a few more seconds off," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Duncan Penny, prosecuting, said: "Whilst he remained on his feet for a few more seconds, soon he fell and his lifeblood ebbed away".

Independent

Now he figures the shorter running start for coverage teams will give returners a few more seconds to make their moves.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing urgency or scarcity, "a few more seconds" can heighten the tension. For example: "We only have "a few more seconds" before the timer runs out!"

Common error

Avoid using "a few more seconds" when the additional time genuinely makes little difference. Saying "Give me "a few more seconds" to solve this complex problem" may undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few more seconds" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating a short extension of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to denote a brief duration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few more seconds" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a small amount of additional time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While perfectly acceptable in most situations, more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "a brief extension of time". When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure that the additional time referenced is genuinely significant and appropriate. Be creative with its applications, as it can also create tension and suspense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple more seconds

Emphasizes a slightly smaller quantity of time, using "couple" instead of "few".

several additional seconds

Highlights the addition of an unspecified number of seconds, suggesting a slightly longer duration than "a few".

a few moments more

Synonymous, but use the word "moments" instead of "seconds".

a short extension of time

Focuses on the concept of extending time, replacing the specific duration with a general term.

a brief moment longer

Uses "moment" to represent a short period, emphasizing brevity.

a little bit longer

Replaces the specific duration with a general comparison, indicating a small increase in time.

just a little longer

Emphasizes the small amount of additional time needed, adding a sense of urgency or anticipation.

some extra time

Focuses on the 'extra' aspect of time, omitting the exact quantity but implying a small amount.

seconds to spare

It suggests having a short amount of time available, typically to complete an action.

an increment of time

Focuses on adding a period of time, usually minimal and of unspecified amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a few more seconds" in a sentence?

You can use "a few more seconds" to indicate that a short additional amount of time is needed. For example, "Could you wait "a few more seconds" while I finish this?"

What's a similar phrase to "a few more seconds"?

Similar phrases include "a couple more seconds", "a little longer", or "just a moment".

Is it appropriate to use "a few more seconds" in formal writing?

While "a few more seconds" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "a brief extension of time" or "a short additional period" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "a few more seconds" and "a few more minutes"?

"A few more seconds" refers to a very short duration, while "a few more minutes" implies a significantly longer period. Use the phrase that accurately reflects the amount of time being discussed.