for ten seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for ten seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to specify a duration of time for an action or event. Example: "The light turned green, and I waited for ten seconds before proceeding through the intersection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He stands in silence for ten seconds.

The New Yorker

We're amazed for ten seconds, then it's ordinary.

The New Yorker

For ten seconds or so, she looked lost in reverie.

The New Yorker

For ten seconds, del Toro beheld the bust.

The New Yorker

"I was on the Jumbotron alone for ten seconds with my black eye," he said.

The New Yorker

"You put your thumb here and hold for ten seconds," he said, demonstrating.

The New Yorker

"At the production meeting yesterday, the singer turned up for ten seconds.

The New Yorker

What if I hold it in memory for ten seconds?

SEP

The recording is carried out for ten seconds during each session.

Brain Informatics

As payment, Saperstein asked for ten seconds at the end of each broadcast.

Forbes

Boil the almonds in water for ten seconds, rinse with cold water and peel.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific experiments or technical processes, use "for ten seconds" to specify precise durations for actions or measurements.

Common error

Avoid using "for ten seconds" when you need to express an action completed in ten seconds. Use "in ten seconds" to indicate the time it takes to complete an action, versus the duration of an action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for ten seconds" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the duration of an action or state, indicating how long something lasts, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as "Hold your breath "for ten seconds" or more."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

28%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for ten seconds" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to specify duration. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears across varied contexts, including news, science, and how-to guides. Its straightforward nature lends itself to both formal and informal settings. Remember to use "for ten seconds" to describe how long something lasts, differentiating it from "in ten seconds," which specifies the time needed to complete an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lasting ten seconds

Rephrases the duration as a continuous event.

during ten seconds

Emphasizes an event occurring within the timeframe.

over ten seconds

Indicates a period extending slightly beyond ten seconds.

in a ten-second period

Formalizes the duration as a defined timeframe.

throughout ten seconds

Highlights a sustained action across the duration.

for a span of ten seconds

Adds emphasis on the length of the time.

within a ten-second timeframe

Suggests something happens inside this amount of time.

in ten seconds' time

Adds a slightly informal tone, indicating a future point.

a ten-second interval

Focuses on the duration as a segment in a sequence.

briefly, for ten seconds

Emphasizes the action is only executed for a short duration of time.

FAQs

How can I use "for ten seconds" in a sentence?

The phrase "for ten seconds" specifies the duration of an action. For example, "Hold your breath "for ten seconds"." indicates how long you should hold your breath.

What can I say instead of "for ten seconds"?

Alternatives include "lasting ten seconds", "during ten seconds", or "over ten seconds", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "for ten seconds" or "in ten seconds"?

"For ten seconds" indicates the duration of an action, while "in ten seconds" indicates the time it takes to complete an action. For example, "Cook the almonds "for ten seconds"" describes cooking time, while "I'll be there in ten seconds" means I'll arrive after that amount of time.

Is it OK to start a sentence with "for ten seconds"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with ""for ten seconds"", especially for emphasis or to set the scene. For example, "For ten seconds, he stood in silence."