a second attempting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a second attempting" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "a second attempt"? You can use "a second attempt" when referring to trying something again after an initial failure or effort. Example: "After failing the exam the first time, she decided to make a second attempt."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"When death comes to a young person... the community as a whole stops for just a second, attempting to catch its breath," a friend of Judy's, Vincent Martino, wrote in the local paper.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A second attempted coup the following October also failed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A second attempt was even "scarier.

The New York Times

They were successful on a second attempt.

The Guardian

Stockdale saved Lukaku's effort at a second attempt.

Independent

Unusually in the autobiographical genre, it is a second attempt.

The Economist

A second attempt later that year went a little better.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Within three months, a second attempt, operation Gunnerside, was planned.

The Guardian

The Yemeni government made a second attempt to offer support.

The Guardian

A second attempt, which took about 30 minutes, was successful.

The New York Times - Tech

On Lap 64, Hamilton made a first and then a second attempt to pass Alonso, finally succeeding in a third attempt at the end of the lap.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "a second attempt" to refer to trying something again. This is the grammatically correct and widely accepted form.

Common error

Don't use "attempting" after "a second". "Attempting" is a verb form, while "attempt" functions as a noun in this context. Using "a second attempting" is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second attempting" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a second attempt". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "a second attempting" is not correct in English. Therefore its function is limited as it's perceived as an error.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a second attempting" is grammatically incorrect. The proper way to express the idea of trying something again is to use the noun form, "a second attempt". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is not correct English. Although a small number of examples using "a second attempting" can be found, mostly in news and scientific contexts, the authoritative sources favor the grammatically sound alternative. It's best to avoid "a second attempting" in both formal and informal writing to maintain clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a second attempt

Corrects the grammatical error, using the noun "attempt" instead of the participle "attempting".

another try

Offers a simpler, more informal way to express the same idea.

a repeat effort

Emphasizes the renewed exertion of energy.

a follow-up attempt

Highlights the sequential nature of the endeavor.

a renewed effort

Stresses the fresh start after a previous lack of success.

a subsequent attempt

Formally indicates an attempt that follows another.

a further attempt

Indicates an additional try, often after previous failures.

a new attempt

Highlights the beginning of another effort.

a revised attempt

Suggests changes were made based on previous outcomes.

a fresh attempt

Indicates a new approach or strategy.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "a second attempting"?

The correct phrase is "a second attempt". The word "attempt" should be used as a noun in this context.

Can I use "attempting" after "second"?

No, using "attempting" directly after "second" is grammatically incorrect. You should use the noun form, "a second attempt".

What are some alternatives to "a second attempt"?

Alternatives include "another try", "a repeat effort", or "a follow-up attempt", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a second attempt" and "a second try"?

While both phrases mean essentially the same thing, "a second attempt" is generally considered more formal than "a second try".