a second spade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a second spade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as card games, gardening, or construction, where "spade" refers to a tool or a playing card. Example: "After drawing the first spade, I was pleased to find a second spade in my hand, giving me a strong advantage in the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

West led a second spade.

The New York Times

He then threw a second spade.

The New York Times

West won and gave his partner a second spade ruff.

The New York Times

A second spade would have defeated the contract.

The New York Times

North ruffed and gave his partner a second spade ruff.

The New York Times

West put up his king and led a second spade.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

East cashed the spade ace and played a third spade.

The New York Times

A third spade went to South's ten.

The New York Times

Some pairs would require a fourth spade for this action, but it worked well here.

The New York Times

West went in with his king but did not find the heart shift; he led a third spade.

The New York Times

A similar finesse would have followed, and West would not have had a third spade to lead.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a second spade" in the context of card games, ensure clarity by specifying the action related to the card, like "led a second spade" or "ruffed a second spade", to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a second spade" when referring to using the spade as a tool; in those cases, specify the action more directly, such as "using the spade again" or "digging a second time with the spade".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second spade" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition, particularly within the context of describing actions or plays in card games. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a second spade" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, primarily within the context of card games like bridge. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's used neutrally in news and media to describe game plays or strategies. To ensure clarity, specify the action related to the card. While alternatives like "another spade" exist, "a second spade" often implies sequential order. Overall, this phrase is most suitable for describing specific instances involving spade cards in games.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another spade

Focuses on the additional or repeated nature of the spade.

a further spade

Emphasizes the continuation or extension involving the spade.

an additional spade

Highlights the aspect of adding one more spade.

a repeated spade

Draws attention to the recurrence of the spade.

a subsequent spade

Indicates the spade follows after something else.

a following spade

Similar to 'subsequent', suggesting a spade that comes after.

a next spade

Points to the spade that is coming up in sequence.

the second spade played

Clarifies it is the second instance of playing a spade.

the other spade

Refers to one more spade, distinct from a previous one.

a duplicate spade

Indicates the spade is a copy or recurrence of a previous one.

FAQs

How is "a second spade" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a second spade" is commonly used in the context of card games, especially bridge, to describe playing or needing another spade card. For example, "West led "a second spade"."

What are some alternatives to using "a second spade"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "another spade", "a further spade", or "an additional spade" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a second spade"?

It's appropriate when you are specifically referring to an additional spade card or instance involving a spade, typically in games or scenarios where spades have significance.

Is there a difference between "a second spade" and "another spade"?

While both phrases are very similar, "a second spade" often implies a sequential order or a specific instance, whereas "another spade" is more general and simply indicates an additional spade.