in a fraction of second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a fraction of a second" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that happened very quickly or suddenly. For example, "I was able to make my decision in a fraction of a second."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, the new device can complete its scan in a fraction of second, using computer vision and machine learning to spot guns and bombs.

The Guardian - Tech

With a reduced sensitivity to contrast, he has a harder time picking up the seams of the baseball — the part of the ball hitters use, in a fraction of second, to identify what pitch is coming.

The New York Times - Sports

At room temperature, two touches activate the trap, which snaps shut in a fraction of second [ 3].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This whole procedure of "Aim - Armor - Shoot - Cloak" should be done in a fraction of seconds.

WikiHow

It can trade 10,000 shares in a fraction of a second; the Big Board takes 22 seconds.

Forbes

Atoms of 114 disintegrate within a few seconds, while 116 disappears in a fraction of a second, Dr. Moody said.

The New York Times - Science

The first generators would cut out in a fraction of a second, he said.

The New York Times

This all takes place in a fraction of a second, and the machine deals with thousands of flakes per second.

The Guardian

FIRST is capable of doing these calculations in a fraction of a second for a 300-residue protein.

Chemistry Central Journal

Art, at these levels (or even at a tenth of these levels) is instantly recognizable: you see a Giacometti and you know, in a fraction of a second, that it's a Giacometti.

The New Yorker

Imagine seeing a dozen pictures flash by in a fraction of a second.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events where precision is less important than conveying a sense of swiftness, using "in a fraction of a second" can add impact. For example, "The cheetah covered the distance in a fraction of a second."

Common error

While effective, "in a fraction of a second" can become repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "instantly" or "immediately" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a fraction of second" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate the speed at which an action occurs. Ludwig examples showcase it modifying verbs like 'snaps shut' or 'complete its scan', emphasizing the rapidity of the action. The meaning of the sentence would change without the presence of this adverbial phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a fraction of second" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the speed of an action, although "in a fraction of a second" is preferred. While not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts from news to science, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase can be replaced by alternatives like "immediately" or "in a split second" to avoid repetition. Ludwig AI analysis suggests it serves to highlight the near-instantaneous nature of events, although examples are rare with only 3 exact matches.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In a split second

Substitutes "fraction" with "split", maintaining the sense of extremely short duration.

In an instant

Replaces the fractional measure with a more general term for a very short period of time.

Almost instantly

Focuses on the immediacy of the action, replacing the fractional measure with a general sense of near-zero time.

Immediately

A single-word alternative emphasizing the lack of any intervening time.

In a heartbeat

Uses a common idiom to convey the idea that something happens as quickly as a single heartbeat.

In the blink of an eye

Employs another familiar idiom to illustrate the speed, comparing it to the rapid closure of an eyelid.

At once

Similar to "immediately", highlighting the simultaneous nature of the action and its trigger.

In no time

An informal expression indicating that something happens very quickly.

Without delay

Shifts the focus to the absence of any pause or waiting time.

Rapidly

This alternative concentrates on the high speed of the action itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a fraction of second" to describe actions that happen extremely quickly. For example, "The new scanner can spot guns and bombs "in a fraction of second".".

What phrases are similar to "in a fraction of second"?

Alternatives include "in an instant", "immediately", or "in a split second". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more correct to say "in a fraction of a second" or "in a fraction of second"?

"In a fraction of a second" is grammatically preferable because it includes the article "a" before "second". However, both are relatively common.

What kind of events are best described as happening "in a fraction of second"?

This phrase is useful for portraying events where speed is crucial, like technological processes, athletic feats, or moments of sudden change.