light of a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light of a second" is not a standard expression in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context discussing the fleeting nature of time or moments, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "In the light of a second, everything changed, and we were left in shock."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"If God is with us anything is possible," Ayew said, making light of a second booking that rules him out of the quarter-final.

The Guardian - Sport

Having earlier adapted a light-activated cation channel, channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), for allowing neurons to be stimulated by blue light, we searched for a complementary tool that would enable optical neuronal inhibition, driven by light of a second color.

Plosone

Having previously adapted a light-activated cation channel from green algae, channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), for sensitizing targeted neurons to temporally-precise excitation by pulses of blue light [18], we searched for a complementary optical tool that would enable simultaneously-and independently-controllable neuronal inhibition, driven by light of a second color.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was their way of making light of a first-round playoff altercation in 1998 in which Van Gundy clung to Mourning's leg like a terrier.

The New York Times - Sports

This all, in the light of a first successful test phase showing better student achievements.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

The chemical engineering aspects, including diffusion and mass transfer, as well as reactor design are discussed in the light of a first pilot plant experiment in the field.

Catalysis Today

Earlier today, when production was put on hold in light of a third animal death, I understood the desire to stop filming until those deaths were investigated more thoroughly.

Huffington Post

In light of this, a second aim was to assess differences in the attitudes of caregivers according to the social and demographic characteristics of both caregivers and patients.

BMC Family Practice

Seeing the lights of an Eighth Avenue-bound L train, and probably realizing he was out of time, he hastily positioned her body in the trench between the tracks, then hoisted himself out as the train roared in, the police said.

The New York Times

Performance of the night came from Valencia as they made light of a 2-1 first-leg defeat by AZ Alkmaar.

BBC

Total energy resolution of about 13 meV has been obtained for the photoemission spectrum of the Au Fermi edge, in spite of the bending-magnet light source of a second-generation synchrotron radiation ring.

Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "light of a second" to add a poetic or evocative tone when describing something that happens very quickly or a fleeting moment of understanding. Consider whether a more common phrase like "split second" might be clearer for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "light of a second" in technical or scientific writing where precision is paramount. More specific measurements of time (e.g., milliseconds, nanoseconds) will provide better clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light of a second" functions as a descriptive element, often used to emphasize the brevity or suddenness of an event. While not grammatically incorrect, Ludwig indicates it's not a standard expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "light of a second" is an uncommon expression used to describe something happening very quickly. Ludwig flags it as not being a standard phrase. While grammatically acceptable, it's best suited for creative or descriptive writing where you want to emphasize a transient moment. For technical or formal contexts, consider more precise or common alternatives like "split second" or "fleeting moment". Its primary function is descriptive, adding emphasis to events that happen almost instantaneously. While appearing in news media and scientific articles, its overall frequency is rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting moment

Focuses on the briefness of the moment rather than the illumination.

split second

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the occurrence.

instant

Highlights the immediacy and lack of duration.

moment in time

Neutral description of a brief period.

brief glimpse

Combines the ideas of seeing and brevity.

flash of time

Emphasizes the sudden appearance and disappearance of the moment.

fleeting glimpse

Similar to "brief glimpse" but may suggest something seen partially.

quick instant

Combines the ideas of speed and lack of duration.

transient moment

Focuses on the ephemeral nature of the moment.

brief period

A general term for a short duration.

FAQs

How can "light of a second" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "light of a second" can be used to describe something that occurs very quickly or a fleeting moment of understanding. For instance, "In the "light of a second", he understood the truth."

What phrases are similar to "light of a second"?

Alternatives include "fleeting moment", "split second", or "instant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "light of a second" a common expression?

While grammatically acceptable, "light of a second" is not a common or widely recognized expression. More conventional phrases like "split second" are generally preferred for clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "light of a second"?

This phrase is most appropriate in creative writing or contexts where a more evocative or poetic tone is desired. In technical or formal writing, it's best to use more precise and common alternatives.