several seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a duration of time that is more than a few seconds but not a long period, often in contexts involving timing or waiting. Example: "The light turned green after several seconds, allowing the cars to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Several seconds went by.

The New Yorker

Some replies take several seconds.

The New York Times

He paused for several seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

Several seconds passed.

The New Yorker

Several seconds of silence passed.

The Guardian - Music

It lasted for several seconds.

The New York Times - Magazine

The audience waited several seconds, in silence.

The New Yorker

Several seconds later, the caller hung up.

The New York Times

Walsh paused for several seconds and smiled.

The New York Times - Sports

The shooting continued for several seconds".

Independent

After a standoff of several seconds.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the timing of events, use "several seconds" to indicate a duration longer than a few seconds but not a significant amount of time. This provides a sense of immediacy without being overly specific.

Common error

While "several seconds" is acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "a few moments" or "a short pause" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several seconds" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating the duration of an action or state. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several seconds" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a brief duration of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility spans various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember to use it to add detail to events or actions, but avoid overuse for stylistic clarity. While synonyms like "a few seconds" or "a short while" exist, each offers subtle nuances in meaning. By considering these factors, writers can effectively use "several seconds" to enhance their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of seconds

Indicates a slightly shorter duration, implying approximately two seconds.

a few seconds

Similar to "several seconds", but suggests a slightly less precise duration.

a matter of seconds

Highlights the insignificance or speed of the time period.

a short while

More general, referring to a brief period without specifying the exact time.

a brief moment

Emphasizes the brevity and fleeting nature of the time period.

a handful of seconds

Similar to "several seconds", but less common.

a split second

Refers to an extremely short, almost instantaneous duration.

a brief pause

Emphasizes a short interruption in an action or speech.

a short span of time

More formal and emphasizes the limited duration.

not long

A simple way to indicate a short duration, lacking the precision of "several seconds".

FAQs

How can I use "several seconds" in a sentence?

You can use "several seconds" to describe a short duration. For instance, "The audience waited "several seconds" in silence before applauding."

What's a good alternative to "several seconds"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a few seconds", "a short while", or "a brief moment" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more accurate to say "a few seconds" or "several seconds"?

Both "a few seconds" and ""several seconds"" indicate a short duration. "Several" implies slightly more than "a few", but the difference is often negligible and depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "several seconds" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate a relatively short duration without being precise. Use it to describe pauses, delays, or brief actions, as in "He hesitated for "several seconds" before answering."