vision of a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vision of a second" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in a poetic or metaphorical sense, perhaps to describe a fleeting moment or insight that lasts only a brief time. Example: "In that vision of a second, I saw my entire life flash before my eyes."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The offer on the right to buy, coupled with the proposal to cut inheritance tax trailed over the weekend, will also help counter the claim that Cameron, by focusing so much on Labour, has not set out a positive vision of a second term.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But she shared his vision of a first-class restaurant, and assembled a first-class team.

The New York Times

The previously romantic vision of a first red rose grand slam since 2003 is still tantalisingly alive.

The Guardian - Sport

The idea of an assault against Iran is after all part of the Bushite vision of a "third world war" against "Islamic fascism", an ideological war that can end only in complete victory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Musk first started talking up the Hyperloop project at a PandoDaily event held almost one year ago to the day, where he elaborated on the vision of a "fifth mode" of personal transport inspired by California's troubled bullet system that will "never crash, is immune to weather," and can travel "twice as fast as what an average aircraft can do".

TechCrunch

With memories still fresh of the oil pipeline that made Alaska rich, a project across the state to the Yukon conjures visions of a second bonanza.

The New York Times

It is the largest picture he ever did, and was based, so the story goes, on a vision of a stampede, first of a herd of Mustang, but soon joined by cows, horses, antelopes and buffaloes.

The Guardian - Arts

Mozilla's vision of a VR-first web browser is ready for consumers to download and judge.

TechCrunch

Yunus's vision is of a third, more balanced path, where businesses are created specifically to solve social problems, seeking enrichment of not just owners and shareholders, but all of society -- the poor most of all.

Huffington Post

This has been so since Badlands (1973), a version of the Charles Starkweather case, in which a kid and his girl went on a casual rampage of killing, which is also a vision of the first children in a flat-faced Eden.

The Guardian - Film

Has Mr Bush come back by accentuating legitimate differences with Mr Kerry and (as this newspaper urged him to do two weeks ago) offering at last a more compelling vision of his second term?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "fleeting glimpse" or "moment of clarity" for clearer communication, especially in formal writing. Ensure the context supports the slightly poetic nuance of "vision of a second".

Common error

Avoid using "vision of a second" in formal or technical writing where precision is paramount. Opt for more direct and widely understood alternatives to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vision of a second" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a fleeting or momentary perception or insight. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase isn't standard in written English, which aligns with its infrequent use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vision of a second" is a relatively uncommon phrase used to describe a fleeting glimpse or momentary understanding. As Ludwig AI points out, it is not a standard phrase in English writing, and is considered 'Acceptable'. Its grammatical status is acceptable, although it can sometimes be replaced by alternatives like "fleeting glimpse" or "moment of clarity" for increased clarity. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to slightly informal tone. While grammatically sound, its infrequent use suggests careful consideration is needed to ensure effective communication. Using more common alternatives could lead to more precise and easily understood writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting glimpse

Focuses on the brief and transient nature of the visual experience, rather than a conceptual understanding.

momentary vision

Highlights the brief duration of a vision or insight.

split-second view

Emphasizes the extremely short duration of the visual impression.

transient image

Underscores the fleeting and impermanent quality of the visual representation.

brief insight

Shifts the focus from a visual experience to a quick understanding or realization.

fleeting perception

Highlights the brief and often incomplete nature of the sensory experience.

moment of clarity

Focuses on a sudden and brief understanding, rather than a visual experience.

quick glimpse

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the visual observation.

brief impression

Highlights the short-lived impact of a sensory or emotional experience.

momentary sensation

Focuses on the short duration of a sensory experience.

FAQs

How can I use "vision of a second" in a sentence?

You can use "vision of a second" to describe a very brief, almost instantaneous glimpse or understanding. For example, "In that "vision of a second", I understood everything."

What phrases are similar to "vision of a second"?

Similar phrases include "fleeting glimpse", "moment of clarity", or "split-second view". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "vision of a second" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "vision of a second" is an uncommon phrasing. It's more a stylistic choice than a standard grammatical construction. It is generally considered acceptable.

When is it appropriate to use "vision of a second"?

It's appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the brevity and fleeting nature of an insight or visual impression. Use it sparingly in formal writing. For example, you could say something like, "I had a "vision of a second" that revealed the truth."