impression of a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impression of a second" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear in meaning.
It could be used in contexts discussing perceptions or feelings that occur very quickly, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "In the impression of a second, I realized how much I had taken for granted."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The pattern consists of sounds with brief isochronous inter onset intervals (IOI) on the order of 50 ms. Every second sound event is louder than the intervening ones, which gives the impression of a second temporal level with half the rate of the first one.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

MELBOURNE, Australia — For two games and two points, Victoria Azarenka did a fair impression of a first-time Grand Slam singles finalist.

The New York Times

And, as for parents offering up "a few moral and judicious observations" at each square, I have tried this — giving my best impression of an eighteenth-century parent — and all I can say is: no dice.

The New Yorker

And, as for parents offering up "a few moral and judicious observations" at each square, I have tried this giving my best impression of an eighteenth-century parent and all I can say is: no dice.

The New Yorker

Being clean and presentable is definitely a part of making a good impression on a first date.

WikiHow

But when Colorado's legislative session has ended, the lasting impression of Gov. Bill Owens, a first-term Republican, could be of a battle he fought outside the House and Senate chambers.

The New York Times

It's why bark has gone from the trees, those that are still standing, giving the impression everywhere of a First World War battlefield.

Independent

Collins, who flew into a rage Wednesday when asked after a 9-3 loss to Pittsburgh for his impressions of a bungled seventh inning, was asked the same question Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

In view of the significance of these impressions, a second expedition was started to reinvestigate the original excavation site, leading to the recovery of several additional skin patches.

Wikipedia

The impression of a people feeling like second range citizens in the UK has stuck with me ever since.

BBC

He forms a first impression of a poem almost at once.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impression of a second", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to something perceived or felt very quickly. Consider using alternatives like "fleeting impression" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "impression of a second" when describing events or processes that take longer than a fraction of a second. This phrase is best suited for describing incredibly brief perceptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impression of a second" functions as a noun phrase, specifically denoting a perception or feeling experienced within an extremely short timeframe. It modifies an implied verb, such as "get" or "have", to describe the act of experiencing this rapid perception.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "impression of a second" is infrequently used and may require careful contextualization to ensure clarity. Ludwig AI suggests that it is acceptable but may need clarification. Consider opting for more common alternatives like "fleeting impression" or "momentary perception" to enhance readability and avoid potential misinterpretations. The phrase is most likely to appear in scientific or news contexts, where describing rapid perceptions is crucial, however, may be considered less formal than other possible alternative phrasing depending on the kind of scientific, or new context. Ensure your writing precisely reflects the brief timescale you intend to convey when opting for this particular phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting impression

It is more common and interchangeable focusing on the transient nature of the experience.

split-second view

Focuses on the extremely short duration of the visual observation.

fleeting glimpse

Focuses on the brevity and transience of the visual perception.

momentary perception

Highlights the instantaneous nature of the sensory input.

transient feeling

Emphasizes the short duration of the emotional experience.

brief sensation

Underscores the limited duration of the physical or emotional feeling.

instantaneous realization

Highlights the suddenness and completeness of understanding.

passing notion

Conveys the idea of a quickly formed and dismissed thought.

rapid assessment

Highlights the speed with which an evaluation is made.

quick take

Emphasizes the speed and superficiality of the assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "impression of a second" to describe something perceived very quickly, as in "In the "impression of a second", I realized my mistake."

What can I say instead of "impression of a second"?

Alternatives include "fleeting impression", "momentary perception", or "split-second view", depending on the specific context.

Is "impression of a second" grammatically correct?

Yes, "impression of a second" is grammatically correct, although it's not a very common phrase. Ludwig AI marks it as acceptable but requiring potential clarification.

What's the difference between "impression of a second" and "fleeting impression"?

While both refer to a brief perception, "fleeting impression" is more commonly used and readily understood, whereas "impression of a second" emphasizes the extremely short duration, potentially requiring more context.