a second bid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a second bid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to auctions, proposals, or offers where a subsequent attempt is made to secure a deal or win something. Example: "After considering the initial offer, the company decided to submit a second bid to increase their chances of winning the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Udall lost a second bid in 1988.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He staged a second bid in 2010 and won.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was further disheartened when Albion turned down a second bid of £3.25m on Monday.

Independent

Mr. Murphy said a second bid was from Digital Research of Portland, Me.

The New York Times

But everyone knew that the rebels were making a second bid to take the city.

The New York Times

A second bid for the presidency has not been ruled out.

The Guardian - Sport

Jonathan Walters was omitted after Norwich submitted a second bid for the winger.

The Guardian - Sport

If Murdoch succeeds with a second bid it will crown a decade of power-enhancing deals.

The Guardian

Last week, Taubman's board rejected a second bid that valued the company at $18 a share.

The New York Times

But if there is a time to declare a second bid for the Republican presidential nomination, this was not it.

The Economist

Lee did not win a second bid for victory at Gettysburg, but thereafter stalemated Ulysses S. Grant in Virginia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize a change in strategy with the new offer, clarify what was changed or improved from the first bid. For example: "They submitted a second bid with more favorable financial terms."

Common error

Avoid using "a second bid" when simply referring to a general attempt or effort; reserve it for scenarios involving formal offers or proposals where a previous attempt has already been made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second bid" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it indicates a repeated effort in making an offer, proposal, or attempt after an initial one has already been made.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sport

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a second bid" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe another offer or attempt following an initial one. As indicated by Ludwig, it is prevalent in news, sports, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly involves a formal offer or proposal, and consider clarifying how the second attempt differs from the first. Using alternative phrases such as "a follow-up offer" or "another attempt" can provide similar meaning, but consider the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a follow-up offer

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the offer, framing it as a continuation of a previous one.

a subsequent proposal

Highlights the formal aspect of the attempt, particularly in business or official settings.

another attempt

Focuses on the act of trying again, suitable for scenarios involving repeated efforts.

a renewed effort

Suggests a revitalization of previous attempts, underscoring increased determination.

a revised submission

Implies alterations and improvements made to a previous entry or application.

a further application

Indicates an additional request or formal expression of interest.

a fresh approach

Highlights a change in strategy or methodology in the subsequent attempt.

a reappraisal

Stresses re-evaluation and consideration before making a new offer.

a return attempt

Focuses on retrying something that was already tried.

a later endeavor

A more generic term emphasizing the timing of a future effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "a second bid" to describe a situation where someone makes another offer or attempt after an initial one. For example: "The company submitted "a second bid" for the contract after their first was rejected."

What is an alternative to "a second bid"?

Alternatives include "a follow-up offer", "another attempt", or "a revised submission" depending on the specific context.

What does "a second bid" imply?

"A second bid" implies that there was an initial attempt or offer that was either unsuccessful or needed improvement, and that a renewed attempt is being made.

Is it always necessary to mention the first bid when using "a second bid"?

While not always required, it is generally helpful to provide context about the first bid to fully understand the significance of "a second bid". This is especially true if the changes made in the second bid are relevant.