you got a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you got a second" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are offering someone a short amount of time, such as "Do you have a few minutes? You got a second!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"You got a second?" Little Horse asked.

The New York Times

And if you were good, you got a second book.

The New York Times

"Hey, Ronnie, can you murder my nephew?" "Ronnie, my man, if you got a second, could you murder the head of the Plumbers and Contractors Union?" "Yo, Uncle Ronnie, how about doing a little murdering for us, pro bono?" Like always, friends and family take advantage.

The New Yorker

Mobile software is built around, when you got a second, you use it.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Haven't you got a second-hand one, or something?" The clerk said he was sorry, he hadn't.

The New Yorker

You got a third caprese gonna go with the oysters and you got a fourth caprese gonna go with another asparagus.... Give me a chicken, got an octo, I got skate with a cod.

The New Yorker

The deal was, if you drank two, you got a third one free; at least that's how I remember it.

The New York Times

You got a first.

Vice

And then you got a third prize, congratulations!

Vice

You get a second opinion.

The New Yorker

And you get a second term!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "you got a second", ensure it's in an informal context. It is a casual way to ask if someone has a moment to spare. For more formal situations, consider alternatives such as "Do you have a moment?" or "May I have a word with you?".

Common error

Avoid using "you got a second" in professional or formal environments. Its informal tone can be inappropriate. Opt for more professional phrases like "Do you have a moment?" to maintain a respectful and courteous demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you got a second" functions as an interrogative phrase used informally to request a small amount of someone's time. Ludwig AI validates that it's a grammatically correct way to ask for a brief moment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "you got a second" is an informal way of asking if someone has a moment to spare. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While common in casual conversation, it should be avoided in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "Do you have a moment?" for professional interactions. The phrase is relatively rare but understood across various contexts, with a primary use in news and media as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do you have a moment

Changes the structure to a question, directly inquiring about available time.

can I have a word with you

Emphasizes the need for a brief conversation.

have you got a minute

Uses British English phrasing to ask for a short amount of time.

could I steal you for a second

Adds a playful tone, suggesting a brief interruption.

do you have time to talk

More general inquiry about availability for a conversation.

may I speak with you briefly

Formal phrasing asking for a short conversation.

got a quick minute

Informal and abbreviated way to ask for a short amount of time.

can I bend your ear for a moment

Idiomatic expression suggesting a brief, informal conversation.

are you free for a chat

Inquires about availability for a casual conversation.

excuse me, do you have a moment

Adds a polite introduction before asking for time.

FAQs

How can I politely ask for someone's time?

Instead of "you got a second", you can use more polite options such as "do you have a moment", "may I have a word with you", or "excuse me". These alternatives are more formal and respectful.

What is a more casual way to ask for someone's time?

For a more casual approach, consider phrases like "got a minute" or "can I steal you for a second". These options are suitable for informal settings and friendly interactions.

When is it inappropriate to use "you got a second"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "you got a second" in formal situations, such as addressing a superior at work, speaking in an academic setting, or interacting with someone you don't know well. In these cases, opt for more formal alternatives.

What's the difference between "you got a second" and "do you have a second"?

"You got a second" is a colloquial and informal way to ask for someone's time, whereas "do you have a second" is a more standard and slightly more formal inquiry. The latter is suitable for a wider range of contexts.