"in a matter of seconds" vs "in a fraction of a second"

Question

"in a matter of seconds" vs "in a fraction of a second"

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'In a fraction of a second' implies a very short period of time, while 'in a matter of seconds' suggests a slightly longer but still very quick timeframe. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the degree of immediacy you want to convey.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to convey that something happens very quickly, typically within a few seconds.

Examples:

The message was delivered in a matter of seconds.
The fire spread in a matter of seconds.
He solved the puzzle in a matter of seconds.
The cat caught the mouse in a matter of seconds.
The computer processed the data in a matter of seconds.

Alternatives:

in a flash
in no time
in a jiffy
in a split second
in the blink of an eye

This phrase is used to emphasize how quickly something happens, indicating an almost instantaneous occurrence.

Examples:

The car accelerated in a fraction of a second.
The decision was made in a fraction of a second.
The light flashed in a fraction of a second.
He disappeared in a fraction of a second.
The goal was scored in a fraction of a second.

Alternatives:

in an instant
in the blink of an eye
in a split second
in no time at all
in the twinkling of an eye

Answer 1

in a matter of seconds

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a very short period of time, slightly longer than 'in a fraction of a second.'

Answer 2

in a fraction of a second

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a very short period of time.

"in a matter of seconds" vs "in a fraction of a second"

in a matter of seconds

in a fraction of a second

Related Comparisons