wait for a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait for a second" is correct and may be used in written English.
You can use it when you need someone to pause and think before continuing. For example, you might say: "Let me think about this for a minute, wait for a second..."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

In most instances, experts agree, repairs can wait for a second opinion.

The New York Times

He was about to try to persuade Bush to do the decent thing, and wait for a second UN resolution.

The Guardian - Opinion

We slide to a halt and wait for a second raft to come down before we pile into the truck.

The Guardian - Travel

They're also conducting a variety of genetic tests, as they search for the hereditary characteristics that influence the ability to wait for a second marshmallow.

The New Yorker

If you wait for a second you can ask me a question rather than interrupting what is a very good conference.

The Guardian

The scientists presented the kids with two options: they could eat one marshmallow right away or wait for a second marshmallow.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Either party could make a strategic decision to capture the center, he said, or both could wait for a third party to fill the vacuum.

The New York Times

And why is it that we've had to wait for a third-party to develop this technology, again?

TechCrunch

But Williams' 100% record from the tee meant Leicester stay in fifth, while Wasps' wait for a first away win in the league this season continues.

BBC

They waited for a second time.

The Guardian

The world still waits for a second La's album.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait for a second" to politely interrupt or ask someone to pause briefly, especially when you need time to think or respond.

Common error

While "wait for a second" is acceptable, overuse can make you sound hesitant or indecisive. Use varied language and avoid relying on it too frequently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for a second" functions as an interjection or a request for a brief pause. As Ludwig AI says, it is correct. It is used to interrupt or ask someone to hold on briefly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wait for a second" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for requesting a short pause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct phrase suitable for various contexts, primarily leaning toward neutral to informal registers. It's commonly found in news and media outlets and is used to interject or politely ask someone to hold on. Remember to use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "hold on a moment" or "pause for a second" in more formal situations to avoid overuse and maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold on a moment

Uses "hold on" instead of "wait", implying a brief pause.

pause for a second

Replaces "wait" with "pause", directly indicating a short break.

just a moment

Offers a concise way to request a short delay.

hang on a second

Similar to "hold on", suggesting a brief interruption.

give me a second

Asks for a short amount of time to consider something.

let me think for a second

Indicates a need for a brief moment to process information.

bear with me for a second

Asks for patience during a temporary delay.

could you wait a moment

A slightly more formal request for a pause.

stop for a moment

Indicates the suspension of a task or process.

delay for a short while

Implies a temporary postponement.

FAQs

How can I use "wait for a second" in a sentence?

You can use "wait for a second" to politely ask someone to pause, like in: "Before you answer, "wait for a second", I need to clarify something."

What's a more formal way to say "wait for a second"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "could you wait a moment" or "bear with me for a second".

When is it appropriate to use "wait for a second"?

It's appropriate when you need a brief pause to gather your thoughts, clarify information, or address something before continuing a conversation or task.

What are some alternatives to "wait for a second" if I want to sound less casual?

Instead of the casual phrase, try something like "hold on a moment" or "pause for a second", which maintain politeness while sounding slightly more formal.