one second

USAGE SUMMARY

"one second" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a standalone phrase or as part of a sentence. Here are a few example sentences: - "One second, let me grab my phone before we leave." - "Just give me one second to think about it." - "I'll be back in one second, I just need to grab some water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hold on for one second.

The Guardian - Film

Wait one second: is Fallon on Today?

Huffington Post

Eight seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

"One second to tweet.

The New York Times

O.K. one second, sir. One second.

The New York Times

"One second — my alarm is going off".

The New York Times

One second to save a life.

The New York Times

"There wasn't one second".

The New York Times

Not for one second.

The Guardian

In one second: gone".

The New York Times - Magazine

One second to shoot.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one second" when you need to be specific about a very short duration, but be mindful that context matters. It may be perceived as longer than it is.

Common error

Avoid using "one second" when you actually need several seconds. People's perception of time varies, so be realistic about the time needed to complete a task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one second" functions primarily as a temporal quantifier, specifying a very short duration of time. Ludwig shows its usage in diverse contexts, from urgent situations to casual requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one second" is a common phrase used to denote a very short period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and versatile, fitting into various contexts from news reports to casual conversations. The phrase's frequency and diverse usage make it essential for effective communication. Remember that while seemingly precise, the perceived duration of "one second" can vary, so context is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a moment

A polite way to ask someone to wait briefly.

short moment

Emphasizes the brevity of the time period.

a single moment

Stresses the singularity and brevity of the moment.

brief pause

Focuses on the interruption aspect, rather than the specific duration.

instant

Implies near-immediate action or occurrence.

quick sec

An informal shortening of "one second".

give me a tick

British slang requesting a very short amount of time.

split second

Indicates an even shorter duration than "one second".

blink of an eye

Figurative language for a very short time.

a heartbeat

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of the time.

FAQs

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

You can use "one second" to indicate a brief pause or a very short amount of time. For example, "Give me "just a moment"" or "It only takes "a split second".

What are some alternatives to saying "one second"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "just a moment", "short moment", or "brief pause".

Is it correct to say "wait one second" or "wait a second"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Wait "just a moment"" is generally considered slightly more polite.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "one second"?

It's best to avoid using "one second" when you know the task or wait time will realistically take longer. Being accurate with your time estimations helps manage expectations effectively.