in a second

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a second" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to emphasize a short period of time- for example: "Wait here - I'll be back in a second!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We'll get that in a second".

The New York Times

More on that in a second.

The New York Times

"I could kill them in a second".

The New York Times - Magazine

Like four hours gone, in a second.

The New Yorker

He started in a second key.

The New Yorker

They could solve this in a second.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

He was in a second-floor bedroom.

The New York Times

In a third patch of forest, Pvt.

The New York Times

In a third-century inscription.

The Guardian

Early in a third term".

The Guardian

Are we in a "Sixth Extinction"?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a second" when you want to convey a very short time frame, suitable for quick actions or brief delays. It adds a touch of informality and immediacy.

Common error

While "in a second" is widely understood, it may sound too casual for formal writing or presentations. Opt for phrases like "momentarily" or "shortly" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a second" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the timing of an action. It specifies that something will occur very soon. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a second" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that something will happen very soon. While Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across various contexts, it's best suited for informal communication. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "momentarily" or "shortly". Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, primarily in news and media, while cautioning against overuse in professional or academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In a moment

Replaces "second" with "moment", keeping the structure similar but varying the time unit.

In an instant

Highlights the near-instantaneous nature of the action.

In a heartbeat

Indicates a very quick action, often used to express eagerness or willingness.

Very soon

Emphasizes the quickness of the action without specifying a particular time unit.

Instantly

Similar to "in an instant", but as a single word, it places a greater emphasis on immediacy.

Shortly

Similar to 'momentarily' but slightly less formal, indicating a brief period.

Momentarily

This single word provides a concise, formal alternative, focusing solely on the brief time frame.

Almost immediately

Focuses on the speed of response, suggesting very little delay.

Right away

Suggests immediate action, prioritizing speed over a specific timeframe.

Just a sec

An informal abbreviation of "second", making it more casual.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a second" to indicate that something will happen very soon. For example, "I'll be there "in a second"" or "We'll address that "in a second"".

What is a more formal alternative to "in a second"?

If you need a more formal option, consider using "momentarily" or "shortly". These options are better suited for professional or academic writing.

Is it acceptable to use "in a second" in professional communication?

While understandable, "in a second" is generally considered informal. For professional emails or presentations, alternatives like "I'll be with you "shortly"" or "I'll address that "momentarily"" are more appropriate.

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

Both "in a second" and "in a moment" indicate a short period. "In a second" implies a slightly shorter duration than "in a moment", though they are often used interchangeably in casual conversation.