can we have a second? vs can we have one second?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Can we have a second?' is a more common and natural way to ask for a brief moment or pause. 'Can we have one second?' is also correct but may sound a bit more formal or precise.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1042 views

can we have a second?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask for a brief moment or pause.

This phrase is a casual and common way to request a short pause or moment of time. It is often used in informal conversations or meetings.

Examples:

Can we have a second to think about this?
Can we have a second to discuss the next steps?
Can we have a second to catch our breath?
Can we have a second to regroup?
Can we have a second to review the plan?

Show examples from the web [+]

Liv, can we have a second?
Actually, Serena, can we have a second?
Sorry. Can we just have a second?
Can you call me back when you have a second?
- Ashleigh, do you have a second? - Sure Fisher.
Dr. Bailey, do you have a second?
Castle, do you have a second?
You can't go through one person then have a second?
Wait. Do you have a second?
Mr. Emminger, do you have a second?
Lore, do you have a second?
Kiera, you have a second?
Kiera, you have a second?
Can I talk to you when you have a second?
Dr. Quirke, can I have a second?
Eli, do you have a second?
Uncle Jed, do you have a second?
We have a second vehicle approaching.
So we have a second murder.
So we have a second murder.

Alternatives:

Can we have a moment?
Can we take a brief pause?
Can we pause for a second?
Can we take a short break?
Can we have a quick moment?

can we have one second?

This phrase is correct but may sound slightly more formal or precise compared to the more common 'Can we have a second?'

This phrase is also used to request a brief moment or pause, but it may sound a bit more formal or precise. It can be used in situations where a more exact measurement of time is needed.

Examples:

Can we have one second to clarify this point?
Can we have one second to check the details?
Can we have one second to confirm the information?
Can we have one second to review the document?
Can we have one second to make a decision?

Show examples from the web [+]

Listen, could I have one second?
Can you hold on one second?
Lana, I'm sure we have one second.
Actually, could you excuse me just one second?
Can't you stop for one second?
Could I use the phone for one second?
Can we talk for one second?
Will you stop hamming it up for one second?
Okay, can you hold one second?
- You thought all that in one second?
- Can I talk to Olivia for one second?
Can we stop the horseplay for one second?
Will you stop hamming it up for one second?
Can you turn that off for one second?
Can l just see her for one second?
Could you please be serious for one second?
Can you just hold on one second?
Would you just speak American for one second?
Could you hold on just one second?
Can you stop being so defensive for one second?

Alternatives:

Can we have a moment?
Can we take a brief pause?
Can we pause for a second?
Can we take a short break?
Can we have a quick moment?

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9).

"Thank you!"
Sachi Nakama July 2024
"I have literally been through chat, PI, claude, bard and bing and I got conflicting answers! Thank you! Human intelligence reigns!"
Retha July 2024
"Faster than AI"
CYNTHIA December 2023
"This was very helpful and I personally think this site is the best."
Kaden October 2023
"It was extremely thorough and very helpful!"
imperialelisa October 2023
"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"
Zubair Alam October 2023
"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."
Selena October 2023
"Without textranch I would be stuck!"
宏祐 October 2023
"Accuracy and fast response. Personal comments from editor. Thank you."
Clh September 2023
"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"
Arturo September 2023
"The fact that you can get reliable fast feedback on your texts."
Vinicius Antonio August 2023
"you guys are better than grammarly i'm being honest here"
ordinary July 2023
"OMG! This is really good than any other text correction tools I've used so far. Highly recommend this."
Vehan July 2023
"Very fast and accurate. thank you."
mojtaba July 2023
"I love this app because it's help to writing skills all of students ♥️"
Tarisini July 2023
"This was exactly the mistake I was looking for, the wording dind´t sound right at first. Better than grammarly!"
Ente July 2023
"The immediate help that I received was reassuring and very satisfactory. Thanks."
priiiyanshuu July 2023
"this helps A LOT for my studies."
kathnunez02 June 2023
"Woow!! I would never have expected such precision! Thank you soooo much!!"
Berta June 2023
"Real Time Editor and not AI. Many Thanks."
Priya June 2023
"The very first thing excites me about Textranch is how much your editors care."
sepideh June 2023
"The fact that texts are checked by human editors rather than by AI, etc. I appreciate this!"
Анна June 2023
"Feel welcome, immediate response, high quality feedback"
martin.roy June 2023
"This is the best app that I have ever seen"
Burulai May 2023

can we have a second? vs can we have one second?