"one by one" vs "second by second"

Question

"one by one" vs "second by second"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Second by second' is used to describe something happening continuously or in very small increments of time, while 'one by one' is used to describe things happening individually or sequentially.

Last Updated: April 03, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that things are being done or happening in a specific order, one after the other.

Examples:

The students handed in their assignments one by one.
She counted the coins one by one to make sure she had enough.

Alternatives:

individually
sequentially
in succession
one at a time
each in turn

This phrase is used to emphasize the continuous or incremental nature of an action or event, often in a fast-paced or real-time context.

Examples:

The clock ticked second by second as we waited for the results.
She watched the countdown second by second, her heart racing with anticipation.

Alternatives:

minute by minute
hour by hour
day by day
step by step
moment by moment

Answer 1

one by one

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe things happening individually or sequentially.

Answer 2

second by second

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something happening continuously or in very small increments of time.