a second time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a second time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an event or action that has happened previously. For example: She had gone to the store a second time to pick up more ingredients for the cake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We kissed a second time.

The New Yorker

Psychologically raped a second time".

The New Yorker

A second time is unfortunate.

Independent

Display a second time zone?

The New York Times

There's never a second time.

The New Yorker

So she injected herself a second time.

The New Yorker

They grappled once, then a second time.

The New York Times

He applied a second time, was hired.

The New Yorker

We're being victimized a second time.

The New York Times - Sports

2009 Wins World title a second time.

Independent

He had relapsed a second time.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a second time" to clearly indicate a repeated action or event, ensuring clarity in your writing. It avoids ambiguity compared to simply saying "again".

Common error

Avoid using "a second time" repeatedly in the same paragraph. Vary your language with synonyms like "again" or "once more" to maintain readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate repetition of an action or event. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

8%

Huffington Post

7%

Vice

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a second time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that clarifies the repetition of an action. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it appears predominantly in News & Media and Academic contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While it's a common expression, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "again" or "once more" can enhance readability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. Ensuring you don't overuse the phrase in close proximity will also improve the quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Again

Simplifies "a second time" to its most basic equivalent, indicating repetition.

Once more

Replaces "a second time" with a more concise expression of doing something again.

Another time

Simplifies the phrase to indicate that something will happen in the future.

On another occasion

Indicates a separate instance of something happening.

For the second instance

Formal and emphasizes the numerical aspect of the repetition.

A repeated occasion

Focuses on the fact that the event has occurred more than once.

Following the first instance

Emphasizes the sequence, indicating that this is what happened after the first time.

The second go-around

Informal and implies a repeated attempt or experience.

In repetition

Highlights the cyclical nature of the event occurring again.

Reiterated

Emphasizes the act of repeating something, often in speech or writing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a second time" to indicate the repetition of an action, such as, "She applied for the job "a second time" after gaining more experience."

What are some alternatives to saying "a second time"?

Alternatives include "again", "once more", or "on another occasion", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use the phrase "a second time"?

Yes, "a second time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal writing to indicate that something is happening again.

What's the difference between "a second time" and "again"?

"A second time" is more specific, indicating it's the immediate next occurrence, while "again" is a general term for any subsequent occurrence.