fleeting second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very brief moment in time, often emphasizing its transitory nature. Example: "In that fleeting second, everything changed, and I realized how fragile life can be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

For a fleeting second that looked like major drama.

The New York Times

As you bite down, the tensile strength holds for a fleeting second, before a pop and the flow of juices.

The New Yorker

But for a fleeting second, maybe we should acknowledge the possibility of a positive collective spirit emerging from terrible tragedy.

The Guardian - Opinion

His eyebrows arched, his eyes widened and for a fleeting second he looked like a comic about to deliver a punch line.

The New York Times - Sports

Pads with the tear-off "College List" were posted everywhere, and for a fleeting second I considered grabbing one to show Nicole, but held back.

The New York Times

Placing children beside carnivorous beasts — even for a fleeting second as the trainer steps aside for a photograph — illustrates a deep-seated and widespread quality in Russian culture: This is a nation of inveterate risk takers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

For fleeting seconds at least.

The Guardian

Slowly – or in the fleeting seconds if you are a mortified opponent – perceptions are changing.

The Guardian - Sport

I lasted a few fleeting seconds before washing out the back, long enough to feel the potential.

The New York Times - Travel

The poet starts from the intense, fleeting first savor of an orange — the fruit, not the color.

The New Yorker

Glasgow will get to see him to compete for less than 20 fleeting seconds on the track, first in the heats and then in the final.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fleeting second", consider the emotional impact you want to create. The phrase is effective for emphasizing the transient nature of an experience or a feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting second" to describe events that last longer than a fraction of a moment. This phrase emphasizes extreme brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting second" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extremely short duration of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fleeting second" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an extremely brief moment in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media to emphasize the transience and often the significance of a particular instant. While alternatives like "brief moment" exist, "fleeting second" carries a stronger sense of something disappearing quickly, making it a powerful choice for impactful writing. It's important to use this phrase when the intention is to highlight the short duration and its effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief moment

Emphasizes the shortness of the duration.

fleeting glimpse

Similar to momentary glimpse, but with more emphasis on how quickly it disappears.

transient instant

Highlights the temporary and passing nature of the occurrence.

passing instant

Indicates that the instant goes by quickly without leaving a lasting impression.

momentary glimpse

Focuses on a quick and incomplete view or experience.

quick flash

Implies a sudden and very short burst of something.

instantaneous moment

Stresses the immediate and virtually zero duration of the event.

short interval

Indicates that the timeframe is compressed in duration.

split second

Refers to an extremely short interval of time, often in the context of reaction or decision.

ephemeral instance

Highlights that the instance is very short lived and not permanent.

FAQs

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

You can use "fleeting second" to describe a very brief moment in time, often emphasizing its quick and transient nature. Example: "In that "fleeting second", I knew everything would change."

What are some alternatives to "fleeting second"?

Some alternatives include "brief moment", "transient instant", or "momentary glimpse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "fleeting seconds" instead of "fleeting second"?

Yes, "fleeting seconds" is correct when referring to a few very short moments, as opposed to a single one.

What's the difference between "fleeting second" and "short time"?

While both refer to a limited duration, ""fleeting second"" emphasizes the extreme brevity and often the impactful nature of that single instant. "Short time" is more general.