just a second

USAGE SUMMARY

'just a second' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need a brief pause in conversation or when you need to ask for a quick moment to think. For example: John: What would you like for dinner? Jane: Just a second, I'm still trying to decide.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

She's just a second wife.

The New York Times

Just a -- just a second.

The Washington Post

Hmmm, just a second here.

The New York Times - Books

You'd be finished in just a second.

The Guardian - Travel

"Just a second more," Peter said.

The New Yorker

But hang on just a second.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's just a second-round match".

Independent

We're just a second-rate sport to 'em.

Independent

"I'm just a second-class citizen," he said.

The New York Times

Now just a fifth do.

The Economist

Thirty years ago, just a fifth were.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just a second" when you need a short pause to collect your thoughts, find information, or perform a quick task before continuing a conversation or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "just a second" excessively in a conversation, as it can become repetitive and may disrupt the flow. Vary your language by using alternatives like "one moment, please" or a brief explanation of the delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just a second" primarily functions as an interjection, used to politely request a brief pause or delay. Ludwig examples demonstrate its common usage in spoken and written communication to signal a need for a momentary interruption.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just a second" is a common and versatile interjection used to request a brief pause or delay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While it is frequently found in News & Media and Academia, it's essential to avoid overuse. Alternatives like "just a moment" or "wait a second" can add variety to your language. Remember, "just a second" asks someone to wait, while "in a second" indicates something will happen soon. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively and politely manage conversational flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a moment

Uses "moment" instead of "second", implying a slightly less precise but equally brief duration.

wait a second

Replaces "just" with "wait", directly instructing someone to pause.

hang on a second

Employs the idiomatic "hang on" for a more casual expression of waiting.

hold on a second

Similar to "hang on", but uses "hold on" to request a brief pause.

give me a second

Asks for a second from someone, framing it as a request.

one moment, please

More formal and polite way to ask for a brief delay.

bear with me a moment

Politely requests patience for a short duration.

let me see

Indicates a need for a brief pause to consider something.

hold the line

Typically used when asking someone to wait on the telephone.

please wait

A direct and polite request for someone to wait.

FAQs

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

You can use "just a second" to politely ask someone to wait briefly, as in, "Just a second, I need to grab my keys" or "Just a second, let me check that for you".

What are some alternatives to "just a second"?

Alternatives include "just a moment", "wait a second", "hang on a second", or "give me a second". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it okay to use "just a sec" instead of "just a second"?

"Just a sec" is a more informal and shortened version of "just a second". While acceptable in casual conversation, it's best to use the full phrase in formal settings.

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

"Just a second" is a request for someone to wait briefly. "In a second" implies something will happen very soon, as in, "I'll be there "in a second"".