glimpse of a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glimpse of a second" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is usually used to describe a very short moment in time, or a brief view of something. For example, "She caught a glimpse of a second smile as he turned away".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In photography you select a glimpse of a second in which you capture a person when making a portrait.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cambridge University fought strongly against the shake-up - saying that the AS-level gave them the only glimpse of a sixth-former's ability before they had to decide to whom they should offer a place.

Independent

Equally, the fin back, Balaenoptera physalus - at a maximum of 26m (85ft), second only to the blue whale in size - is, for all its vastness, just as elusive, allowing a glimpse of barely a tenth of its body.

The Guardian

I've had to quit watching TV in fear of glimpsing a second of this audio-visual excrement.

Vice

He has also pulled off a tremendous feat of stylistic integration, fusing the legacy of twentieth-century modernism with glimpses of a twenty-first-century tonality.

The New Yorker

A moment later, we catch a glimpse of the second hell hole being violently smashed into one of the park's structures, before being blown away.

Vice

On Tuesday evening, I and many others waited aboard the Intrepid for a glimpse of the second planet in rare silhouette.

The New Yorker

Both knew one plane had hit the towers, and Lou had caught a glimpse of the second strike on CNN just before climbing into his cockpit.

The New York Times

Credit: NASA/S.D.O., A.I.A. On Tuesday evening, I and many others waited aboard the Intrepid for a glimpse of the second planet in rare silhouette.

The New Yorker

The statement could also provide a first glimpse of a post-Brexit Conservative political narrative.

BBC

Afghans scale the walls of a stadium to catch a glimpse of the first public soccer match after the collapse of the Taliban regime.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glimpse of a second" when you want to emphasize the extreme brevity of a visual or experiential moment. It's most effective when highlighting how little time was available to observe something.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse of a second" to describe events that unfold over several seconds or longer. This phrase is specifically for extremely brief moments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimpse of a second" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, typically describing the brevity of an observation or experience. It emphasizes the fleeting nature of what is perceived. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "glimpse of a second" accurately describes a very brief moment of perception, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound, it's a relatively rare expression. Alternative phrases like "fleeting moment" or "brief instant" might be more common. When using "glimpse of a second", ensure the context truly reflects an extremely short duration. Despite its infrequent use, the phrase effectively conveys the fleeting nature of an event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

momentary glimpse

Combines "momentary" to reinforce the brevity of the glimpse.

fleeting moment

Emphasizes the briefness and transience of the moment.

brief instant

Highlights the extremely short duration of the time period.

instantaneous view

Indicates a view that occurs in an instant, emphasizing speed.

quick flash

Focuses on the sudden and rapid nature of the appearance.

split-second view

Specifically denotes a view lasting only a fraction of a second.

transient view

Underscores the impermanence of the observed scene.

short-lived look

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the viewing experience.

ephemeral sighting

Uses more formal language to describe a fleeting observation.

rapid peek

Highlights the quickness and informality of the view.

FAQs

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

You can use "glimpse of a second" to describe a fleeting view or a very short moment in time, like "She caught a "glimpse of a second" of his smile before he turned away."

What is a good alternative to "glimpse of a second"?

Alternatives include "fleeting moment", "brief instant", or "quick flash" depending on the context.

Is "glimpse of a second" grammatically correct?

Yes, "glimpse of a second" is grammatically correct and understandable, though it's not a very common phrase. Ludwig AI also confirms its correctness.

What's the difference between "glimpse of a second" and "a moment"?

"Glimpse of a second" emphasizes a very short, almost imperceptible duration, while "a moment" /s/moment can refer to a slightly longer, undefined period.