sixty seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sixty seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a duration of time, specifically one minute. Example: "Please wait for sixty seconds before proceeding to the next step."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Sixty seconds?

The New Yorker

For sixty seconds.

The New Yorker

In sixty seconds.

The New Yorker

Watch for sixty seconds.

The New Yorker

Sewing In Sixty Seconds Tutorials.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sixty seconds later city were level.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Eighteen - eighteenth; sixty - sixtieth.

BBC

Twenty seconds.

Yale University

Five seconds.

Princeton University

"Three seconds, then boom".

The New York Times

"Five seconds," Abnesti said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sixty seconds" when precision is needed, especially in technical or scientific contexts. In more casual writing, consider using "one minute".

Common error

Avoid using overly formal or complex phrasing when referring to "sixty seconds" in everyday contexts. While precise, using it repeatedly can sound stilted. Vary your language with simpler alternatives like "one minute" or "a minute" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

"Sixty seconds" functions as a noun phrase specifying a duration of time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It often acts as an adverbial modifier, indicating the length of an action or event, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sixty seconds" is a grammatically sound noun phrase denoting a specific time duration. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. While precise and suitable for technical contexts, alternatives like "one minute" are often preferred in everyday language to maintain a natural tone. The phrase appears commonly in news, academic, and scientific contexts, with a neutral register. Remember to consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing between "sixty seconds" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one minute

Replaces the numerical description with its equivalent in minutes.

60 seconds

Uses the numerical representation instead of spelling it out.

a minute

Slightly less precise, implying approximately one minute.

a 60-second period

Explicitly denotes a period lasting sixty seconds.

one-minute interval

Specifically refers to a time interval of one minute.

brief moment

Emphasizes the brevity of the time period.

a short time

A more general term for a brief period, not necessarily precisely defined.

a fleeting moment

Highlights the transient nature of the duration.

instantaneously

Implies that something happens immediately, within a very short time.

split second

Implies an even shorter duration, almost instantaneous.

FAQs

When is it better to say "one minute" instead of "sixty seconds"?

In most everyday situations, "one minute" is more common and sounds more natural. "Sixty seconds" is suitable when precision or technical detail is required, such as in scientific or procedural contexts.

Is it correct to use "sixty second" (singular) instead of "sixty seconds" (plural)?

No, it is generally incorrect. Since you are referring to a duration, it should be the plural form, "sixty seconds". The singular form might be acceptable in very specific, technical contexts where "second" functions as a unit of measurement, but such instances are rare.

What are some alternatives to "sixty seconds" that don't specify a precise time?

You can use phrases like "a short time", "a brief moment", or "just a moment" to indicate a short period without being specific about the duration.

How can I rephrase a sentence using "sixty seconds" to sound less formal?

Instead of saying "Please wait for sixty seconds", you could say "Please wait "a minute"" or "Please wait "one minute"". The latter options are generally perceived as less formal and more conversational.