The train runs by the second.

siCantikManis · Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:29 am *The train runs by the second.*

Hi,

If I want to say that the train arrives accurately to the second every time, can I use the above sentence?

Many thanks,
Cantik
_________________
Thou shalt not use yours to make the whole world jealous.

Yankee · Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:47 am *The train runs by the second.*

Hi Cantik

No, that sentence doesn't work.
The words "by the second" might be used to mean "each second" or "with every second (that passes/passed)":

- I was getting more worried by the second.
.
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

siCantikManis · Mon Jun 30, 2008 5:05 am *The train runs by the second.*

Oh, so how can I say it?

Thanks, gal.

Inga · Mon Jun 30, 2008 13:29 pm *The train runs by the second.*

Maybe, 'The train always arrives (dead) on time.'? Or it arrives at one-thirty sharp.
_________________
I am an incurable optimist.

siCantikManis · Mon Jun 30, 2008 13:47 pm *The train runs by the second.*

Thanks for the suggestions, Inga. Now I'm thinking of this:

The train is accurate to the second.

Benjamin · Mon Jun 30, 2008 13:55 pm *The train runs by the second.*

in english you wouldn't say that the train was "accurate"
it either "arrived" or "departed" to the second
but again this is not really an English phrase. I would still say "it arrived dead on time" is the best way.
you can also say "it arrived on the dot"

siCantikManis · Mon Jun 30, 2008 13:57 pm *The train runs by the second.*

Thanks Benjamin. I like the expression "on the dot".

	ESL Forums \| English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms	All times are GMT + 2 Hours
Page 1 of 1