a close second

USAGE SUMMARY

"a close second" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone or something is almost as good as the best, but not quite as good. For example: "Michael finished the race in a close second to the champion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nobody's a close second".

The New York Times

"A close second," Russell replied.

The New York Times - Sports

Russia was a close second.

The New York Times - Sports

Delta is a close second.

The New York Times

A close second is anger.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's say a close second.

The New York Times

Napoleon was a close second.

The New York Times

Karimo a Close Second.

The New York Times

Lupita a close second.

The Guardian - Film

There's not even a close second".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

George W. Bush runs a close second.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a close second" to acknowledge something of high merit that falls just short of being the best. It's useful for emphasizing quality without exaggerating its status.

Common error

Avoid using "a close second" when the difference between the first and second option is substantial. This phrase is best suited for situations where the competition or comparison is very tight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close second" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate something that nearly achieves the top rank or status. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting its flexibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Sports

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close second" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that almost reaches the top position, but not quite. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It's prevalent in news, sports, and general discussions, emphasizing its utility in various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is genuinely close to maintain accuracy. Consider alternatives like "runner-up" or "second best" to refine your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

runner-up

This term specifically refers to the person or team that finishes in second place in a competition.

second best

Directly indicates something that is good but not the absolute best.

almost the best

Emphasizes the nearness to being the best, highlighting a slight difference.

next in line

Suggests a sequential order, where the described entity follows immediately after the first.

a near miss

Focuses on the narrow margin by which something failed to be the best.

second fiddle

Implies a supportive role subordinate to the primary entity.

the alternative

Highlights that the option is not the first choice but still viable.

second choice

Indicates preference for something else but acceptance of this option.

substitute

This phrase refers to someone or something acting in place of the primary one.

the other option

Highlights that there is another available alternative besides the most obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "a close second" in a sentence?

You can use "a close second" to describe something that is almost as good as the best. For example, "In the survey, ice cream was the most popular dessert, with cake "a close second"".

What's a synonym for "a close second"?

Alternatives to "a close second" include "runner-up", "second best", or "almost the best", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a close second place"?

While understandable, saying just ""a close second"" is more concise and commonly used. The word "place" is implied.

What is the difference between "a close second" and "a distant second"?

"A close second" means something is nearly as good as the best, while "a distant second" implies a significant gap between the first and second options.