take seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is invited to have a second helping of food or to take additional time to consider something. Example: "After everyone finished their first plate, the host encouraged them to take seconds if they were still hungry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Now the same work would take seconds.

The New Yorker

We were tempted to take seconds.

The Washington Post

The background check can take seconds when the system is functioning properly.

The New York Times

Bandwidth deals that used to take months to close will take seconds.

The New York Times

I'll take seconds while forgetting to offer the platter around the table first.

The New York Times - Magazine

Batteries built using the new method could take seconds, rather than the now standard hours, to charge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Take first those designed to flatter profits.

The Economist

Principles take second place to profit.

The Guardian

"Take second-class train rides?

Forbes

Take second integral (2.26).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Take first party (L).

SERIEs

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to food, be sure that the reader understands that taking seconds refers to getting a second serving.

Common error

Avoid using "take seconds" when the context implies a longer duration. For example, don't say "Learning a new language can "take seconds""; instead, use "take years".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take seconds" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the duration of an action or the act of consuming more. Ludwig AI examples show it describes processes completed rapidly or the act of having a second portion of food.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take seconds" is a common and grammatically sound expression with two primary meanings: to indicate that something requires only a short amount of time, or to refer to the act of having a second helping of food. Ludwig AI shows that it's frequently used in news and media, science, and general writing. Related phrases include "only take a moment" and "grab a second helping". To ensure clarity, specify the action when discussing time and understand it refers to another serving when discussing food. While "take seconds" is broadly acceptable, more formal options exist. Overall, it's a useful phrase that is grammatically correct according to Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a few seconds

Highlights the brevity of the timeframe involved.

is a matter of seconds

Focuses on the extremely brief time frame involved.

only take a moment

Emphasizes the brief duration required, focusing on time efficiency.

only requires moments

Highlights the very short duration that something needs.

grab a second helping

Refers specifically to taking more food.

happen quickly

Emphasizes the speed with which an event unfolds.

have a second portion

Similar to "grab a second helping", but slightly more formal.

do it again

Implies repeating an action immediately.

repeat the process

Suggests undertaking the same procedure once more.

get another chance

Indicates a further opportunity to attempt something.

FAQs

How can I use "take seconds" in a sentence referring to food?

You can use "take seconds" in sentences like, "The host encouraged guests to "take seconds" if they enjoyed the meal" or "I was so hungry that I decided to "take seconds" of the lasagna".

What does "take seconds" mean when referring to time?

When referring to time, "take seconds" means that something requires only a very short amount of time, typically just a few seconds. For example, "The transaction will "take seconds" to complete".

Are there any formal alternatives to "take seconds"?

While "take seconds" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives when referring to food include "have another serving" or "get a second helping". When referring to time, consider using "only take a moment".

Which is correct, "take seconds" or "takes seconds"?

"Take seconds" is correct when referring to someone taking a second helping of food or when used in a general sense. "Takes seconds" is correct when used with a singular subject, like, "The process "takes seconds"".