a split second before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a split second before" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that occurs immediately prior to another event, emphasizing the briefness of the time interval. Example: "The car swerved just a split second before the collision, narrowly avoiding disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

There's a split second before reality sets in".

The Guardian

Sidibe got there a split second before Radebe, who collided heavily with the Gills' striker.

The Guardian - Sport

The puck stayed on the line for a split second before Colin White cleared it away.

The New York Times - Sports

He showed up at performances a split second before they began.

The New York Times - Magazine

You see it coming a split second before she does: "Her face fell.

The New York Times - Books

A split second before it dropped, Stewart knew it was in, and reacted accordingly.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Like a true point guard, Mayo saw everything develop a split-second before it did.

The New York Times - Sports

Hill reached behind and yanked Holmes's face mask a split-second before the ball arrived, caroming off Holmes's hands.

The New York Times - Sports

On those same stairs, I saw the apparition of a girl for a split-second before she vanished.

The Guardian - Tech

He rolled right and, on the run, zipped a 9-yard pass to Tommy Bohanon that arrived a split-second before the defender.

The New York Times - Sports

Dold also stands out at the starting line, where he has been known to lunge forward a split-second before the race begins.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a split second before", ensure the context clearly establishes the sequence of events. The clarity helps the reader understand the timing and impact of the described actions.

Common error

Avoid using "a split second before" when describing events with a longer time gap. This phrase is specifically for events occurring almost simultaneously. If the gap is longer, consider using "a moment before" or "shortly before".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a split second before" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an event. This aligns with Ludwig's confirmation of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a split second before" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to highlight the extremely brief time interval preceding an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It functions as an adverbial phrase and is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as academic and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure the timing is accurate and reflects the near-simultaneous nature of the events described. Consider alternatives like "just before" or "immediately preceding" based on the desired formality and the context. Avoid using it when a longer time gap exists, and remember that including the article "a" is generally preferred for grammatical correctness and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an instant prior to

Replaces "split second" with "instant" and uses "prior to" instead of "before", emphasizing the immediate precedence.

a moment preceding

Substitutes "split second" with "moment" and "before" with "preceding", highlighting the brief duration and sequence.

just before

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the meaning of immediately preceding.

immediately preceding

Uses more formal language to express the concept of something coming directly before another event.

right before

Informal alternative that emphasizes the closeness in time.

in the instant before

Emphasizes the very short duration using "instant" and provides a slightly more formal tone.

nanoseconds before

Replaces "split second" with "nanoseconds" to highlight extreme brevity, technically correct if hyperbole.

milliseconds prior to

Similar to nanoseconds, emphasizes a very short time frame using "milliseconds" and replaces "before" with the slightly more formal "prior to".

the very second before

Emphasizes the immediacy and brevity of the time interval.

on the verge of

Focuses on the imminence of the subsequent event, rather than the precise timing.

FAQs

How can I use "a split second before" in a sentence?

Use "a split second before" to describe an event happening almost immediately before another. For instance, "He ducked "a split second before" the ball hit him" indicates the action of ducking occurred just prior to being hit.

What are some alternatives to "a split second before"?

You can use alternatives like "just before", "immediately preceding", or "an instant prior to" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "split second before" without the "a"?

While understandable, "a split second before" is the more grammatically standard and commonly used form. Omitting the "a" may sound slightly less formal, but it's generally better to include it for clarity and proper grammar.

What's the difference between "a split second before" and "a moment before"?

"A split second before" implies an extremely short interval, almost instantaneous. "A moment before" suggests a slightly longer, though still brief, duration. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the actual time difference between the events.