Twenty seconds elapsed, and Michael thought his head would explode.

After all characters have taken their action, one second has elapsed.

Three more seconds elapsed and the phone rang; he picked it up.

Only a few seconds elapsed before he was on his feet again.

Several more seconds elapsed though before he finally decided how best to reply.

Not more than two, or at the most three, seconds had elapsed.

Fifteen seconds had elapsed, and you just knew there would not be much point in going on.

Less than four seconds elapsed between the order and the action.

After 50 seconds have elapsed, there is a short pause.

Only 18 minutes 43 seconds had elapsed, and the game was over.