a fleeting second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very brief moment in time, often emphasizing the transitory nature of an experience or feeling. Example: "In a fleeting second, everything changed, and I realized how fragile life can be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

For a fleeting second that looked like major drama.

The New York Times

As you bite down, the tensile strength holds for a fleeting second, before a pop and the flow of juices.

The New Yorker

But for a fleeting second, maybe we should acknowledge the possibility of a positive collective spirit emerging from terrible tragedy.

The Guardian - Opinion

His eyebrows arched, his eyes widened and for a fleeting second he looked like a comic about to deliver a punch line.

The New York Times - Sports

Pads with the tear-off "College List" were posted everywhere, and for a fleeting second I considered grabbing one to show Nicole, but held back.

The New York Times

Placing children beside carnivorous beasts — even for a fleeting second as the trainer steps aside for a photograph — illustrates a deep-seated and widespread quality in Russian culture: This is a nation of inveterate risk takers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The demo eventually lost track of my hand and wasn't able to get it back — forgivable, given the early state of the project — but for a few fleeting seconds, I was finally getting a glimpse of AR tech that so many teams had promised me before.

TechCrunch

And so it was with the greatest pleasure and no regret that Philip flung the boy off the roof, and watched with a sense of mounting satisfaction as his body flailed uselessly in the air for a few fleeting seconds before hitting the tarmac with a dull thud.

The Guardian

For one fleeting second, a look of stricken panic crossed the taoiseach's face.

The Times

A few minutes later, when totality hit, the eclipse was visible for a few fleeting seconds, and people all around cheered.

The New York Times - Science

I lasted a few fleeting seconds before washing out the back, long enough to feel the potential.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a fleeting second" to vividly convey how quickly something happens or how brief an experience is. This can add impact to your writing, especially when describing emotional or sensory experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "a fleeting second" when describing something that lasts longer than a very brief moment. This phrase emphasizes the extremely short duration of an event or feeling; using it inappropriately can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fleeting second" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the duration of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It emphasizes the brevity and transience of the event being described.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fleeting second" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the extreme brevity of an event or experience. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent usage in news and media, conveying a sense of transience. When writing, using this phrase adds vividness, highlighting the speed at which something happens or the rapid passing of a feeling. Alternatives such as "a brief moment" or "a quick flash" can be used for variety. Remember to use it accurately to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A brief moment

Emphasizes the shortness of the duration, using 'brief' instead of 'fleeting'.

A fleeting glimpse

Focuses on the quick and often incomplete nature of the observation or experience.

A momentary glimpse

Focuses on the visual aspect of something appearing and disappearing quickly.

A passing instant

Replaces 'fleeting' with 'passing' and 'second' with 'instant' for a slightly more poetic feel.

A quick flash

Suggests an even shorter duration, like a sudden burst of light.

A split second

Highlights the extreme brevity of the time frame.

A swift moment

Suggests rapidity and speed in the passing of time.

A transient moment

Emphasizes the temporary and non-lasting nature of the occurrence.

A mere instant

Highlights the insignificance of the duration, using 'mere' to convey its brevity.

A short interval

Uses more formal language to describe a brief period.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fleeting second" to describe something that happens very quickly or a feeling that passes rapidly. For example, "In "a fleeting second", I saw her face in the crowd."

What can I say instead of "a fleeting second"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief moment", "a passing instant", or "a quick flash" depending on the context.

What does "fleeting" really mean?

"Fleeting" means lasting for only a short time; passing swiftly. It emphasizes the transient nature of something, making it ideal for describing ephemeral experiences.

Is it better to say "fleeting moment" or "fleeting second"?

Both "fleeting moment" and "fleeting second" are correct, but ""a fleeting second"" emphasizes the extreme brevity of the duration, while "a fleeting moment" suggests a slightly longer, though still brief, period.