a quick second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to wait briefly or when indicating a very short amount of time. Example: "Can you hold on for a quick second while I grab my notes?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

They can change in a quick second".

The New York Times

It recommends releasing a quick second shot.

The Guardian - Business

"I took my eye off the ball for a quick second".

The New York Times - Sports

That doctor called in his partner for a quick second opinion.

The New York Times - Magazine

For a quick second, Bradley caught his eye, and that glance said it all.

The New Yorker

"It's for people who want a quick second opinion," said Marissa Evans, 26, a former Web analyst and strategist in New York, who started Go Try It On.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

He has a quick first step.

The New York Times - Sports

A quick first glimpse of the Sergio might make a viewer think it was going backward.

The New York Times

After a quick first half-inning, R.A. Dickey has taken the mound to warm up.

The New York Times

Gallinari, a 19-year-old from Italy, made a quick first impression.

The New York Times - Sports

"'Did he have a quick first step,' as we say in basketball".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick second" to denote a very short amount of time, especially when asking someone to wait or when describing an action that happens rapidly. It's suitable for informal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick second" when a more specific timeframe is necessary. If precision is required, opt for measurements like milliseconds, or specific times.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick second" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the duration of an action or state. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts where brief pauses or actions are described. Ludwig AI classifies the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick second" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a very short amount of time. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources, confirms its widespread usage across news media, informal writing, and general communication. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for requesting brief pauses or describing rapid actions. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in contexts requiring precise time measurements. Alternatives like "a brief moment" or "a split second" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting moment

Emphasizes the transience and brevity of the moment.

a brief instant

Highlights the suddenness and shortness of the time period.

a split second

Focuses on the extremely short duration, almost instantaneous.

a short interval

Indicates a brief period between events or actions.

a momentary pause

Stresses a brief interruption or cessation of activity.

a passing moment

Highlights that the moment is transient and quickly gone.

a rapid moment

Emphasizes the speed at which the moment occurs.

a swift moment

Similar to 'rapid moment', but with a slightly more formal tone.

a flash of time

Conveys an image of something happening very quickly and brightly.

a blink of an eye

Uses a common idiom to describe something happening almost instantly.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick second" to indicate a very short amount of time, like in the sentence, "Could you hold on for "a quick second" while I check something?"

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

You can use alternatives like "a brief moment", "a short while", or "a split second" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a quick second"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to refer to a short period of time.

What's the difference between "a quick second" and "a quick minute"?

"A quick second" implies a shorter duration than "a quick minute". Use "a quick second" when you mean a very brief pause or action, and "a quick minute" when you mean slightly longer.