without a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a second" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is the only one of its kind or is done quickly and without hesitation. Example: Without a second thought, she grabbed her coat and ran out into the pouring rain to rescue her dog from the storm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without a second thought, he did.

The New York Times

Changing places without a second thought.

The New Yorker

Without a second thought, I reached out.

The New Yorker

"Without a second of hesitation".

The New York Times

He accepted without a second thought.

The Guardian - Books

… Without a second thought, I say YES".

The Guardian - Books

But without a second patient for comparison, they weren't sure.

Stanford University

Most travelers walk by without a second glance.

The Washington Post

I killed their precious wine cork without a second thought.

The Washington Post

They can be slaughtered without a second thought.

The Guardian

Without a second thought, I tossed it over my back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without a second" to convey a sense of immediacy or lack of hesitation. This strengthens the impact of your statement by indicating the action was performed decisively and quickly.

Common error

While "without a second" is widely applicable, be mindful of its usage in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "immediately" or "instantaneously" to maintain a professional tone where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a second" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, often part of a longer phrase like "without a second thought" or "without a second glance". It serves to describe the manner in which an action is performed, emphasizing speed and lack of consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without a second" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression. It serves to emphasize the immediate and often impulsive nature of an action or decision. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans across numerous contexts with News & Media being the predominant one, suggesting a neutral register. When aiming for utmost precision, alternatives such as "immediately" or "instantaneously" may prove more appropriate, particularly in formal contexts. The frequency of "without a second" demonstrates its wide acceptance in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without hesitation

Highlights the decisiveness and speed of a decision.

without delay

Stresses the absence of any postponement.

immediately

Adverb suggesting promptness in action.

at once

Emphasizes the simultaneity of an action.

instantaneously

Single word adverb emphasizing the immediate nature of an action.

in the blink of an eye

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the rapidity of an event.

right away

Informal way of saying something will be done quickly.

in a flash

Idiomatic expression indicating something happened very quickly.

cursorily

Describes a quick and superficial action or look.

superficially

Similar to 'cursorily', indicating a lack of depth in attention.

FAQs

How can I use "without a second" in a sentence?

You can use "without a second" to indicate that something was done immediately and without any hesitation. For example, "Without a second thought, he jumped into the river to save the drowning child."

What are some alternatives to "without a second"?

Alternatives include "immediately", "without hesitation", or "instantaneously". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "without a second thought" or "without a moment's thought"?

Both "without a second thought" and "without a moment's thought" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, although "without a second thought" might be slightly more common.

Can "without a second glance" be used in both positive and negative contexts?

Yes, "without a second glance" can be used to describe both positive and negative situations. For example, it can describe ignoring something undesirable or quickly recognizing something familiar. In a negative context: "Most travelers walk by "without a second glance"." In a positive context, although not directly showcased by the examples in the SEARCH_DATA, it could describe quickly recognizing someone.