description of a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "description of a second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a detailed account or explanation of a specific second in time, often in contexts like storytelling or analysis. Example: "The description of a second in the film captures the protagonist's moment of realization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Finally, the description of a second noncoding region in the RferPV1 genome reinforces the view of an increased susceptibility to recombination in the E2-L2 genomic region.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But for younger and less sophisticated readers (for whom it is almost impossible to find a new book with a carefully rendered description of a first kiss), this could be a winner.

The New York Times - Books

Or this description of a first drink: "They were nearing the end of their first round, which they always drank more quickly than those that followed, and which they hardly felt except in the way one feels the looseness in a boat that has been untied from its mooring but has not yet left it".

The New Yorker

A nonlinear description of a first order reaction proceeding in activation control conditions is presented.

Electrochimica Acta

You can feel his desperation in his descriptions of a first attempt to kill a pig, grim Highland weather and scrabbling around in the dark in a claustrophobic yurt, and there's lots of insight into why idealists are more likely than anyone to fail at finding a primitive lifestyle ideal.

The Guardian - Books

This review provides a detailed description of palonosetron, a second-generation 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist.

Cancer Management and Research

Whereas descriptivists like Saussure examined samples of individual speech to arrive at a description of a language, transformationalists first studied the underlying structure of a language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most novel aspect of this study is the description of a previously unrecognised third SBS (SBS1') encoded by the α-dystrobrevin gene of most tetrapods.

BMC Biology

"I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt have no other gods before me," begins a capsule description of the first film, a tragedy in which a computer is trusted over the forces of nature.

The New York Times

A second description of a C ∗ -algebra, from an operator-theoretic point of view, is given here.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

Rebecca Bates, the interviewer on that occasion, found Ball (pictured) "by turns both serious and coy" – an effective description of his fifth novel, A Cure for Suicide, a deceptively bland dystopia centred on the social construction of identity.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "description of a second", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'second' refers to. It could be a point in time, an item in a sequence, or a secondary element being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "description of a second" if the reference to 'second' is unclear. Provide sufficient context to prevent misinterpretation, specifying whether you're referring to a moment in time, a numerical position, or a subordinate aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "description of a second" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig suggests, it refers to a detailed explanation or account regarding something that is secondary or comes after the first.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "description of a second" is grammatically correct but used infrequently. As Ludwig confirms, it typically functions as a noun phrase used to provide details about something that is secondary. It is most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting a formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the reference to 'second' is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "account of a second" or "analysis of a second" to better suit the specific context. Because of its infrequency, it's essential to ensure clarity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

account of a second

Replaces "description" with "account", emphasizing a spoken or written report.

explanation of a second

Substitutes "description" with "explanation", focusing on clarifying or making something understandable.

portrayal of a second

Uses "portrayal" instead of "description", suggesting a depiction or representation, often artistic.

depiction of a second

Similar to "portrayal", but implies a more visual or graphic representation.

outline of a second

Replaces "description" with "outline", indicating a summary or brief overview.

summary of a second

Uses "summary" instead of "description", emphasizing a concise version of the details.

details of a second

Focuses on the specific "details" rather than a general description.

analysis of a second

Replaces "description" with "analysis", indicating a more in-depth examination.

interpretation of a second

Suggests a subjective understanding or perspective on the second element.

rendering of a second

Similar to portrayal, rendering places focus on how the description has been executed.

FAQs

How can I use "description of a second" in a sentence?

You can use "description of a second" when you want to provide details about something that is secondary or follows the first. For instance, "The "description of a second" noncoding region highlighted increased susceptibility to recombination".

What's a good alternative to "description of a second"?

Alternatives include "account of a second", "explanation of a second", or "analysis of a second", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "description of a second"?

"Description of a second" is suitable in academic, scientific, and analytical contexts where detailed accounts of subsequent or secondary elements are necessary. Consider using alternative phrasings for less formal content.

Is "description of a second" grammatically correct?

Yes, "description of a second" is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the term 'second' is clearly defined within your context to avoid ambiguity. Consider if a more specific term would better suit your meaning.