a mere second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the brevity or insignificance of a time duration, often in a context where time is being discussed or compared. Example: "I only need a mere second to make my decision, so please don't rush me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Rossi finished 1min 4.526sec behind Stoner, in a sport in which a mere second can be an eternity.

Independent

A mere second later, Reggie Wayne, running a slant from the left side, had the ball in his hands.

The New York Times - Sports

If you're still having trouble figuring out what's sexist or inappropriate behaviour, there's a pretty simple test available to all and it takes a mere second.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's more or less a selection of the biggest upper songs in history what being around Oprah for a mere second is probably like.

Vice

Standing still just for a mere second can get you killed.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But my estivatophobia goes deeper than a mere second-degree burn: summer's hot, people are too happy, clothes stick to you, sooner or later the A.C. gives you a cold, fun is mandatory and that demonic sun is out there like a Middle Eastern dictator -- intrusive, oppressive and still in charge way too late in the day.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Olympic-scale margin: a mere tenth of a degree.

The New York Times

The city got a mere fifth of its desperately needed windfall.

The Guardian

And dry land is a mere third of the Earth's surface.

The Economist

Unsurprisingly, "vomit" is understood by 98% of people, but "orally" by a mere third.

The Guardian - Opinion

A nanometre is a billionth of a metre (a micrometre is a mere millionth of a metre).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere second" when you want to emphasize how brief or insignificant a particular amount of time is, especially when contrasting it with something else or when the brevity is surprising.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere second" excessively in your writing. While it can be effective for emphasis, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere second" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "second". It emphasizes the briefness and insignificance of the time duration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a mere second" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to emphasize the extreme brevity or insignificance of a second. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and examples show it appearing in news, media, and scientific contexts. While versatile, overuse should be avoided for stylistic reasons. Related phrases such as ""just a second"" or ""only a second"" offer similar meanings. As Ludwig's examples suggest, "a mere second" adds emphasis when expressing how quickly something happens or how little time is required for an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a second

Replaces "a mere" with "just", indicating a very short amount of time.

only a second

Emphasizes the small amount of time by using "only" instead of "a mere".

a split second

Highlights the brevity of the time interval using the term "split second".

a fleeting second

Stresses how quickly the second passes, adding a sense of transience.

a brief moment

Substitutes "second" with the broader term "moment", still implying a short duration.

a quick second

Replaces "mere" with "quick", emphasizing the rapidity of the time.

barely a second

Uses "barely" to underscore the minimal duration of time.

a tiny fraction of a second

Highlights the small portion of time, specifying it as a fraction.

hardly a second

Emphasizes the insignificance of the time using "hardly".

just an instant

Replaces "second" with "instant", conveying an immediate and very short period.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mere second" to emphasize the brevity of time, like in, "It takes "a mere second" to regret a hasty decision."

What are some alternatives to "a mere second"?

Alternatives include "just a second", "only a second", or "a split second", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a mere second" in formal writing?

Yes, "a mere second" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to emphasize the brevity of time. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall context.

What's the difference between "a mere second" and "just a second"?

While both phrases indicate a short amount of time, "a mere second" often emphasizes the insignificance or surprising brevity of the duration, whereas "just a second" is a more neutral expression.