every single second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every single second" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are talking about a continuous or recurring action that takes place very quickly or at regular intervals. For example, "She's been counting down the days until his return, and now only has to wait every single second."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF 'GOOD VIBRATIONS' -- The show that may well be remembered (and hailed) for hastening the death of the jukebox musical, a virtuous act of euthanasia if ever there was one.

The New York Times

Yeah, the network was a tendency to make EVERY SINGLE SECOND terribly overdramtic, but I think that's a problem with American broadcasting as a whole.

TechCrunch

Outstanding, every single second of it.

The Guardian - Music

I loved every single second of it.

The Guardian

"I want to play every single second".

The Guardian - Sport

A staggering recital, every single second of it.

The Guardian - Music

I don't have to work every single second.

The Guardian - Film

I know what he would be doing every single second or minute of the day.

The Guardian

"That's all we do, every single second of the day," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'd keep track of my character's emotional state every single second.

The New York Times

I know exactly what is happening to me every single second of my life.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "every single second" to emphasize the relentless or continuous nature of an action or state. It's particularly effective when highlighting urgency or the sheer volume of occurrences.

Common error

Avoid using "every single second" in very casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "always" or "constantly" would suffice. Overusing it can sound overly dramatic or unnatural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every single second" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It intensifies the frequency or continuity of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "every single second" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that amplifies the notion of continuity, urgency, or relentlessness. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. Appearing predominantly in news and media, as well as in science contexts, it maintains a neutral register and serves to emphasize the importance of each moment. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "every waking moment" or "constantly", tailoring your selection to the specific shade of meaning you aim to convey. When deploying this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context to avoid sounding overly dramatic in casual conversations. Use "every single second" to underscore a sense of immediacy or highlight the sheer volume of occurrences in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

each and every second

Adds emphasis to the individual moments within a continuous period.

every instant

Similar to "every single second", but emphasizes the immediacy of each moment.

constantly

Focuses on the consistent and unbroken nature of an action or state.

continuously

Stresses the unbroken sequence of events or actions.

every waking moment

Emphasizes constant thought or activity during all times when awake.

all the time

Indicates a general state of continuous occurrence.

without a break

Highlights the lack of interruption or pause.

incessantly

Highlights the continuous and often annoying nature of something.

at all times

Emphasizes the omnipresence or constant availability.

perpetually

Implies an ongoing or never-ending state.

FAQs

How can I use "every single second" in a sentence?

Use "every single second" to emphasize the continuous and relentless nature of an action. For example, "He monitored the patient's vital signs "every single second" during the critical surgery".

What phrases are similar to "every single second"?

Similar phrases include "every waking moment", "constantly", or "continuously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "every second" or "every single second"?

"Every single second" adds emphasis, while "every second" is more straightforward. Both are grammatically correct, but "every single second" is often used to highlight urgency or importance.

In what situations is it best to use "every single second"?

Use "every single second" when you want to stress the continuous nature of something without interruption. It is suitable for scenarios that involve urgency or intensity. For example, "Every single second counts when providing CPR".