this very second

USAGE SUMMARY

"this very second" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is happening right now. Example Sentence: I'm finishing this project this very second.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Of this very second.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At this very second, the great Cadbury chicken may be about to lay another mediocre batch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I know that this very second he [the president] is watching this live broadcast.

The Guardian

He is being emotionally tugged this very second by two very good teams.

The New York Times - Sports

These are all people who are chatting at this very second and have been online the longest.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Courtney said that as the group started to disperse, he thought: "I better ask her out this very second.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

In some ways, however, I think that this very first screen performance, her Juliet, is the most purely seductive and the funniest of her screen portrayals.

The Guardian - Film

This "very third world building", as he called it, was in fact built for £127,000, and opened to acclaim in 1967.

The Guardian - Arts

What this very first proof was, is not known in detail.

SEP

As this protein layer will mediate the interaction of the biomaterial with the living world, the consequent reactions will be highly dependant on this very first stage.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Accordingly, this very first edition for the Netherlands offers you news and background to current career issues for young academics in your country.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this very second" to add emphasis when describing something happening in the immediate present. It conveys a sense of urgency or immediacy.

Common error

Avoid using "this very second" repeatedly in a short piece of writing. It can sound redundant and diminish the impact. Opt for simpler alternatives like "now" or "at this moment" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this very second" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the exact time something is happening, emphasizing the present moment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it highlights immediacy. For example, "I need it done this very second."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Tech

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this very second" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the present moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to underscore urgency and immediacy. While versatile, it's most frequently found in News & Media, Tech, and Lifestyle content. When writing, use "this very second" to highlight that something is happening right now, but avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Alternatives such as "right now" or "at this moment" may provide greater variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right now

Focuses on the present time, less emphatic than the original phrase.

at this moment

A slightly more formal way of indicating the present, lacking the urgency of the original.

at this instant

Emphasizes the immediacy, similar to "this very second", but slightly more formal.

this instant

Similar to 'at this instant', emphasizing immediacy.

at the present time

A more formal and less urgent way to express the current moment.

immediately

Focuses on the lack of delay, rather than specifically the present moment.

instantaneously

Highlights the lack of delay, often used in technical contexts.

at once

Implies immediate action or occurrence, but lacks the specific temporal focus.

without delay

Focuses on the absence of waiting time, not necessarily the present.

in a heartbeat

An idiomatic expression for doing something without hesitation, less literal.

FAQs

What does "this very second" mean?

The phrase "this very second" means right now, at this exact moment. It emphasizes the immediacy of an action or event.

What can I say instead of "this very second"?

You can use alternatives like "right now", "at this moment", or "immediately" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "at this very moment"?

While "at this very moment" is similar, "this very second" emphasizes even greater immediacy. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.

How do I use "this very second" in a sentence?

You can use "this very second" to highlight the current timing of an action. For example: "I need your attention "right now", "this very second"!"