a second serving

USAGE SUMMARY

'a second serving' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an extra portion of food or drink. For example, "May I please have a second serving of ice cream?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I'll certainly go along with that, provided I get a second serving.

The New York Times - Food

Rationing was still in force when, under the eye of David Lean's camera, a thin, pale eight-year-old boy named John Howard Davies raised his gruel bowl and dared to request a second serving.

The Guardian - Film

"She comes in later and offers me a second serving.

BMC Health Services Research

Rahma awoke late to find the teapot empty, so her mother prepared a second serving.

Unicef

However, again causality cannot be assumed as the child might have influenced the serving size by indicating how hungry they were, or they may have accepted or rejected the offer of a second serving.

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Have a small snack in an hour rather than a second serving.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

And get a second serve.

Independent

ace, on a second serve.

The New York Times - Sports

He's on a second serve.

The Guardian - Sport

I couldn't hit a second serve.

The New York Times - Sports

Defending a second serve, he netted a backhand for 0-15.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about food, use "a second serving" to clearly indicate an additional portion, especially in formal or descriptive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a second serving" when simply referring to having more food in general; reserve it for instances where a specific portion is being offered or taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second serving" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating an additional portion of food or drink. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a second serving" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to refer to an additional portion of food or drink. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's widely accepted in English. Its usage spans across various contexts, with News & Media, Wiki and Science being the most frequent. While it can be considered neutral in register, it's best used when specifically describing an additional portion being offered, requested or consumed, rather than just having more food in general. Consider alternatives like "another portion" or "seconds" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seconds

Shorthand term for "a second serving".

an additional helping

Synonymous, emphasizes the act of being helped or served.

a further helping

Emphasizes continuation and assistance.

a repeat serving

Highlights the repetition of the serving.

another portion

Focuses on quantity rather than the act of serving.

extra portion

Emphasizes the extra quantity.

a refill

Specifically refers to replenishing a drink or dish.

more food

Simple and direct, lacks the formality of "serving".

another plateful

Refers to the amount that fits on a plate.

a double portion

Indicates a larger quantity, possibly more than just 'a second serving'.

FAQs

How to use "a second serving" in a sentence?

You can use "a second serving" to indicate an additional portion of food or drink. For example, "She asked for "a second serving" of pie".

What can I say instead of "a second serving"?

You can use alternatives like "another portion", "an additional helping", or "seconds" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a second serving"?

Yes, "a second serving" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to refer to an additional portion of food or drink.

What's the difference between "a second serving" and "a second helping"?

While both refer to an additional portion, "a second serving" emphasizes the act of serving, while "a second helping" emphasizes the act of providing assistance. They are often interchangeable, but "a second helping" might imply someone is offering the food.