second by second

USAGE SUMMARY

"second by second" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to emphasize the slow passing of time - for example, "We watched the minutes pass, second by second."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Second by second in an endless equation.

The Guardian

Everything was changing, second by second.

The New Yorker

"It's pointless to look at this data second by second," Dr. Low said.

The New York Times - Science

The meter monitors, second by second, the electricity being used by the whole school.

Independent

"You just kind of take it second by second and see what happens.

The New York Times - Sports

They are counting, second by second, in the name of democracy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

TalkSport's analysis was based on a second-by-second classification.

The Guardian

The simulation model tracks the second-by-second activity of each PICAV user, as well as the second-by-second activity of each vehicle.

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies

The graph shows the second-by-second data from 25 eggs.

Princeton University

Second-by-second coding of maternal touch and infant affect was completed.

Infant Behavior and Development

Recording at this time was of individual sheep on a second-by-second basis.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ the phrase to highlight the meticulousness of a process that requires constant monitoring or adjustment.

Common error

Avoid using "second by second" when describing events that occur over longer durations. For processes unfolding over days or weeks, consider alternatives like "gradually" or "over time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second by second" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action or event unfolds in time. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it emphasizes a continuous, real-time progression or observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

36%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "second by second" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to emphasize the continuous and immediate nature of an event or process. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and wide usage make it suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", it serves to convey urgency, meticulousness, or relentless progression. While alternatives like "moment by moment" or "in real time" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "second by second" judiciously, ensuring it aligns with the temporal scale of the described event for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Moment by moment

Replaces "second" with "moment", emphasizing a slightly broader timeframe, though still conveying continuous progression.

Little by little

Suggests a slow, steady accumulation of something.

Bit by bit

Focuses on gradual accumulation rather than a strict temporal sequence.

Tick by tick

Emphasizes the sound and relentless passage of time.

Step by step

Emphasizes progression through a series of actions or stages.

In real time

Describes something happening instantaneously and continuously.

Gradually

A single word adverb conveying a slow and progressive change over time.

Incrementally

Highlights the process of adding small amounts or degrees.

In rapid succession

Conveys events happening quickly and one after another.

By degrees

Implies a subtle and progressive change.

FAQs

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

You can use "second by second" to describe events happening in rapid succession, or to emphasize the passage of time, as in: "The data is updated "second by second"".

What can I say instead of "second by second"?

Alternatives to "second by second" include "moment by moment", "in real time", or "tick by tick", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "minute by minute, second by second"?

Saying "minute by minute, second by second" can add emphasis to the relentless and continuous nature of an event, but it can also be considered redundant. Choose the phrase that best suits the desired level of detail and impact.

When is it appropriate to use "second by second"?

Use "second by second" when precision and immediacy are crucial, such as describing real-time data updates or emphasizing the critical nature of a rapidly changing situation. If the situation is not as critical consider "little by little" or "gradually".