number of seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "number of seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific quantity of time measured in seconds. Example: "The experiment lasted for a number of seconds before the results were recorded."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The number of seconds for this aspect offset bin.

Harvard University

We used a counter to keep track of the number of seconds that has elapsed.

Cornell University

complete the suggested number of reps or hold the position for the suggested number of seconds.

Harvard University

One function, sleep, takes its argument as a non-negative real number of seconds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

iprop_resync_timeout integer Specifies the number of seconds to wait for a full propagation to complete.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"That woman's whole life is about counting the number of seconds between each model".

The New Yorker

He tells them, for example, to do something of their choosing for a certain number of seconds, then something else for a given number of seconds.

The New York Times - Arts

The fewer the number of seconds elapsed  between the Jets' offensive plays, the better the result.

The New York Times

Pilot time is defined to be the number of seconds since January 1, 1904 (i.e, Macintosh time).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In particular, in addition to displaying clock time, it simultaneously stores the total number of seconds within a day.

Cornell University

I was trying to count the number of seconds it took him between the second and the third wave.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an experiment or process, use "number of seconds" to clearly indicate the length of each step or the total duration. For example, "The reaction was measured after a "number of seconds" to observe initial changes."

Common error

Avoid using "number of seconds" when describing subjective experiences of time. For example, instead of saying "It felt like a number of seconds, but it was actually minutes", use phrases like "It felt like only a few seconds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number of seconds" functions as a quantifier followed by a unit of time. It specifies a duration measured in seconds. As Ludwig AI confirm, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Academia

23%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "number of seconds" is a grammatically correct and common way to specify a duration. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as a quantifier followed by a unit of time, serving the purpose of measuring or specifying how long something lasts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, including news media, academic writing, and general instructions. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a measured time interval and is appropriate for the context. Alternatives like "amount of seconds" or stating the time directly can be used depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Count of seconds

Synonymous with "number of seconds", but emphasizes the action of counting.

Amount of seconds

Replaces "number" with "amount", focusing on the quantity of time.

Duration in seconds

Specifies "duration" instead of "number", emphasizing the length of time.

Time in seconds

Uses "time" as a general measure, differing slightly in emphasis.

Seconds elapsed

Focuses on the progression of time rather than a specific count.

Specified seconds

Highlights that the number of seconds are predefined.

Designated seconds

Similar to specified seconds, with subtle difference in nuance of designation.

Period of seconds

Emphasizes a specific interval of time measured in seconds.

Seconds quantified

Highlights the seconds being measured in a specific value.

Seconds passing

Highlights the act of time moving forward.

FAQs

How do I use "number of seconds" in a sentence?

You can use "number of seconds" to specify a duration. For example: "The test lasted a "certain number of seconds"." or "The process takes a "specified number of seconds" to complete.

What can I say instead of "number of seconds"?

Alternatives include "amount of seconds", "duration in seconds", or simply stating the duration directly, such as "It lasted for 10 seconds".

Is it better to say "number of seconds" or "seconds"?

Using "number of seconds" is appropriate when you're emphasizing the quantification of time. Using "seconds" alone is suitable when the context already implies a measure of time passing.

What's the difference between "number of seconds" and "amount of time"?

"Number of seconds" specifies a precise duration, while "amount of time" is more general and can refer to any duration, whether measured in seconds, minutes, hours, or other units. "Number of seconds" is more specific.