too many seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too many seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an excessive number of seconds in a specific context, such as time duration or waiting periods. Example: "I waited for too many seconds before the train finally arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Too many seconds.

The New York Times

"We looked at each other for way too many seconds and then we both realized we were staring at each other so we looked away," she remembered.

The New York Times

Phoenix ticked down too many seconds on its ensuing possession, Goran Dragic's jumper missing the rim by such a narrow margin that the referees had to huddle to watch replays to confirm it was a shot-clock violation.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

North Carolina and Virginia dominated second half ground balls while Hopkins missed too many first-time grounders.

Los Angeles Times

Too many second-rate offerings bogged down the evening.

The New York Times - Arts

There were way too many third-and-longs today.

The New York Times - Sports

"I didn't have too many first serves in.

The New York Times - Sports

He drank too much and saw too many first-round exits.

The New Yorker

I'm guessing this comes from having watched too many Second World War movies.

The New Yorker

"Now, sometimes I sit back and evaluate that we give too many second chances.

The New York Times - Sports

But there are too many second-rate paintings here that are too, too tiresome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events where timing is crucial, use "too many seconds" to emphasize the negative impact of even a small delay. For example, in sports commentary or describing critical system failures.

Common error

Avoid using "too many seconds" in everyday conversation where simpler phrases like "too long" or "a while" would suffice. Overusing it can sound overly dramatic or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too many seconds" functions as a quantifier followed by a unit of time. It describes a duration perceived as excessive, often implying negative consequences. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where precise timing matters.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "too many seconds" is a grammatically correct way to express that a duration in seconds is perceived as excessive. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is mostly found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in casual conversations where simpler phrases would suffice. More formal alternatives include "excessive time" or "a considerable duration". The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for professional contexts where timing is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive time

Replaces the specific unit of time with a more general term.

a considerable duration

Emphasizes the length of time in a more formal way.

an extended period

Similar to "a considerable duration" but slightly less formal.

needless seconds

Focuses on the lack of necessity for the time spent.

an eternity

Uses hyperbole to emphasize the perceived length of the time period.

undue length

Highlights that the duration is inappropriate or excessive.

exceedingly long

General expression to mean that something lasted a lot

unnecessary delay

Focuses on the negative aspect of the time spent.

protracted interval

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a lengthy time gap.

a long wait

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the act of waiting.

FAQs

How can I use "too many seconds" in a sentence?

You can use "too many seconds" to express that an action or event took longer than expected, often with negative consequences. For example: "Too many seconds ticked off the clock, costing them the game".

What's a more formal alternative to "too many seconds"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "excessive time" or "a considerable duration" depending on the context.

Is "too many seconds" grammatically correct?

Yes, "too many seconds" is grammatically correct. It uses the standard structure of "too many" followed by a plural noun.

When is it appropriate to use "too many seconds" instead of "too long"?

Use "too many seconds" when you want to emphasize the specific unit of time (seconds) and its impact. "Too long" is a more general term.