split seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "split seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very brief moment in time, often in contexts related to speed or urgency. Example: "The athlete crossed the finish line just a few split seconds ahead of his competitor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

In football split seconds count.

The Guardian - Sport

"What she must have gone through in those split seconds.

The Guardian

All of that goes into a few split seconds.

The Guardian - Sport

Survival was a matter of seconds, split seconds.

The Guardian

Some, like 11 September 2001, are split seconds of cataclysmic horror.

Independent

"Film is a series of photographs separated by split seconds of darkness.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Those collisions happen in split-seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

"In those split-seconds I can even see if he's stressing or not," she says.

Independent

Their vast computerised hubs and their ability to zip transactions around the world in split-seconds allow them to play a dual role reminiscent of the marketplaces and sailing ships of medieval times.

The Economist

But Qld still have it and Thurston puts in a cheeky kick that Hayne, somehow still alive, grounds in-goal split-seconds before Inglis gets his big paw to it.

The Guardian - Sport

Tests on ChEMBL show query throughput times in the order of split-seconds to seconds for high (>0.75) similarity, improving once the fingerprints start getting cached.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "split seconds" to add emphasis when describing crucial moments, especially where timing is critical, such as in sports, emergency situations, or high-stakes decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "split seconds" to describe events or processes that actually take a noticeable amount of time. This phrase is best reserved for actions that are genuinely instantaneous or nearly so.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "split seconds" is to act as a noun phrase modifying another element in the sentence, typically denoting a very short period. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in contexts emphasizing the brevity and significance of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "split seconds" functions as a noun phrase, denoting extremely short durations with significant implications. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. The phrase underscores the importance of precise timing. While alternatives exist, "split seconds" remains a potent choice for highlighting moments where speed and timing are paramount, as demonstrated through numerous examples of Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instantaneous moments

Emphasizes the immediacy and lack of perceptible duration.

fleeting moments

Highlights the transient and quickly disappearing nature of the moment.

brief intervals

Focuses on the short duration between events.

mere instants

Stresses the insignificance and brevity of the time.

fraction of a second

Quantifies the brevity more precisely.

ticking clock

Implies the counting of time, typically found in tense or action situations.

blink of an eye

Uses a common idiom to describe something happening very quickly.

heartbeat

Relates the short time to a physiological process.

lightning flash

Creates an analogy to the quick burst of light, highlighting speed.

short space of time

A more general term for a brief duration.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "split seconds" in a sentence?

Use "split seconds" to emphasize extremely short durations, especially in scenarios where precise timing matters, such as in sports, accidents, or crucial decision-making moments. For example, "The racer won by a few "split seconds"".

What are some alternatives to "split seconds" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "instantaneous moments", "fleeting moments", or "brief intervals" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "split of a second" instead of "split seconds"?

While "split seconds" is the more common and widely accepted phrasing, "split of a second" isn't technically wrong, but it's less idiomatic. Sticking to ""split seconds"" ensures clarity and aligns with standard usage.

In what contexts is "split seconds" most appropriately used?

"Split seconds" is best used in contexts that involve rapid actions, quick decisions, or events where timing is critical. This includes sports, emergency situations, technological processes, and any scenario where even a tiny fraction of time can make a significant difference.