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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
in that second
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"in that second" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a moment, or the amount of time between two events that have happened consecutively. Example sentence: She opened the door and, in that second, saw him standing in the hallway.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
46 human-written examples
"I was pleased how we adapted in that second innings.
News & Media
"Marsh walked out and batted in that second innings after scoring 148 in the first dig.
News & Media
And in that second winter it did.
News & Media
Jurors began deliberating in that second trial on Monday.
News & Media
"I was definitely struggling in that second set.
News & Media
We will be competitive in that second league.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
14 human-written examples
I feel comfortable in that second-generation European culture".
News & Media
In that second-round loss to the Rangers, the Devils scored five goals in five games.
News & Media
In that second half, the popular theory goes, Madrid lost their fear of Barça.
News & Media
"I saw a group of players playing with no fear in that second half".
News & Media
"You saw the power and quality Chelsea have in that second half," Monk said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "in that second" to create a sense of immediacy and highlight a pivotal moment within a narrative.
Common error
Avoid using "in that second" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "instantly" or "immediately" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "in that second" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the precise moment an action or event occurs, adding immediacy and emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
20%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "in that second" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to pinpoint a specific, often crucial, moment in time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts. While common in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific writing. To enhance your writing, use it to create immediacy, but avoid overuse to prevent redundancy. Consider synonyms like "at that instant" or "in that moment" for variety. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively leverage "in that second" to add depth and focus to your narratives.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
at that instant
Emphasizes the suddenness and immediacy of an event.
in that moment
Highlights a specific point in time when something occurs.
at that very second
Stresses the precise timing of an event.
immediately then
Implies that something happened without delay.
right then
Indicates something happened at that specific time with no delay.
at once
Suggests an action happening without any delay.
instantaneously
Focuses on the immediacy and near-simultaneous nature of an occurrence.
at that point
Refers to a specific juncture where something occurred.
in a heartbeat
Highlights how quickly an event occurred.
in the blink of an eye
Emphasizes the speed and brevity of a moment.
FAQs
How can I effectively use "in that second" in a sentence?
Use "in that second" to emphasize a critical, brief moment where something significant occurs. It adds a sense of immediacy and focus to your writing. For example, "She realized her mistake "in that second" and tried to correct it".
What are some alternatives to "in that second"?
You can use alternatives like "at that instant", "in that moment", or "immediately then" depending on the context.
Is it appropriate to use "in that second" in formal writing?
Yes, "in that second" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of your piece. In more formal contexts, "at that instant" might be preferable.
What's the difference between "in that second" and "in the second"?
"In that second" refers to a specific, brief moment in time when something happens. "In the second" is generally used to describe being ranked or positioned second, such as "in the second place".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested