a second try

USAGE SUMMARY

"a second try" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should try something again. For example, "He failed the test the first time, but I think he should give it a second try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Luckily for them, he came back for a second try a year later.

BBC

The law is also a second try.

The New York Times

On a second try, to 5 minutes.

The New York Times

After a second try the shot worked smoothly.

The New York Times

He almost wasn't allowed to make a second try.

The New York Times - Magazine

While May was away, Quins capitalised with a second try.

The Guardian - Sport

But a second try was no more successful.

The New York Times

In the ensuing confusion, they conceded a second try.

The Guardian - Sport

Of the 27 who did not receive a mammogram, 21 (77%) requested a "second try" appointment.

Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health

Children of this age push ahead, don't have a second try.

Independent

Mr Ahern plans, one day, a second try to get the Nice treaty through.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a second try" when you want to emphasize that an initial attempt has already been made. For example, "After the experiment failed, the scientists decided to give it "a second try".

Common error

Avoid using "a second try" in continuous tenses. It's usually more appropriate to say "trying again" or "making another attempt" rather than "second trying".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second try" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the act of attempting something again. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a second try" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a repeated attempt at something. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media and Sport contexts, indicating a neutral register. While alternatives like "another attempt" exist for more formal situations, "a second try" effectively conveys the idea of perseverance and renewed effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another attempt

Replaces "try" with "attempt", offering a more formal tone.

a further attempt

Implies an additional effort beyond the initial one.

a repeat attempt

Emphasizes the repetition of the effort.

a subsequent attempt

Highlights that the attempt happens after the first one.

a follow-up attempt

Highlights the sequential nature of the attempts.

another shot

Uses a more informal expression, suitable for casual contexts.

a renewed effort

Focuses on the fresh energy invested in the subsequent attempt.

another go

A colloquial alternative, common in British English.

a return bout

Draws a parallel to a rematch in sports or competition.

a re-examination

Focuses on reassessing or reconsidering something, before the second attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "a second try" to indicate a repeated effort, such as, "The team failed initially, but they're ready for "a second try"".

What's a more formal alternative to "a second try"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "another attempt" or "a subsequent attempt".

Is it ever incorrect to use "a second try"?

While generally correct, avoid using "a second try" in contexts where continuous tenses are required. Opt for phrases like "trying again" instead.

What is the difference between "a second try" and "a second attempt"?

The phrases are almost interchangeable, with "attempt" sounding slightly more formal than "try". Both indicate a repeated effort.