fleeting seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very short amount of time that passes quickly, often in a poetic or reflective context. Example: "In those fleeting seconds, I realized how much I had taken for granted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 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

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

A few minutes later, when totality hit, the eclipse was visible for a few fleeting seconds, and people all around cheered.

The New York Times - Science

The exits at Madison Square Garden were beginning to fill like evacuation routes as Reggie Miller stood at the edge of the Knicks' glossy logo and dribbled down the fleeting seconds on the clock.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

For a fleeting second that looked like major drama.

The New York Times

For one fleeting second, a look of stricken panic crossed the taoiseach's face.

The Times

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

The New Yorker

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting seconds" to add a touch of poetic flair when describing a brief moment, particularly when emphasizing its ephemeral nature. For a more neutral tone, consider "brief moments".

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting seconds" in technical or scientific contexts where precision is key. Opt for more specific measurements of time like "milliseconds" or "microseconds" if accuracy is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting seconds" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "fleeting" describes the ephemeral and transient nature of the noun "seconds". Ludwig provides examples showcasing this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fleeting seconds" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a very short amount of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is particularly effective in adding a touch of poetic flair or emphasizing the ephemeral nature of a moment. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it suggests a neutral yet descriptive register. While alternatives like "brief moments" or "transient instants" exist, "fleeting seconds" offers a unique emphasis on the rapid passage of time, making it a valuable tool for evocative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief moments

Replaces "seconds" with "moments" for a slightly less precise but similar duration.

transient instants

Uses more formal vocabulary to emphasize the temporary nature of the moments.

fleeting instances

Substitutes "seconds" for "instances", highlighting the occurrence rather than the duration.

momentary durations

Focuses on the brief duration of the moments.

passing instances

Highlights the passing nature of the instances.

brief period

Uses "period" for a more general indication of time.

ephemeral moments

Emphasizes the short-lived and delicate nature of the moments.

short intervals

Focuses on the short space between two points in time.

quick spans

Highlights the speed and brevity of the duration.

temporary blips

Uses informal vocabulary suggesting very short, almost insignificant moments.

FAQs

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

You can use "fleeting seconds" to describe something that happens very quickly and is often gone before you can fully appreciate it. For example, "In those "fleeting seconds", I understood the true meaning of happiness."

What's a good alternative to "fleeting seconds"?

Depending on the context, you might use "brief moments", "transient instants", or even just "short time".

Is "fleeting seconds" formal or informal?

"Fleeting seconds" leans towards a more literary or reflective register, so it's generally suitable for descriptive writing rather than strictly formal or technical contexts.

Can "fleeting seconds" refer to the future?

While technically possible, "fleeting seconds" usually refers to moments that have already passed due to its emphasis on brevity and transience. It's less common to use it when anticipating something in the future.