a second try to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a second try to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to attempting something again after a previous attempt, often in the context of making an effort to achieve a goal. Example: "After failing the exam the first time, she decided to give it a second try to improve her score."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

On a second try, to 5 minutes.

The New York Times

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

The Economist

A second try to Canberra's Sisa Waqa with five minutes remaining, converted beautifully from the sideline by Canberra captain Jarrod Croker, levelled scores at 34-34.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, Rovers claimed a second try to double their lead in the 29th minute, with Briscoe supporting Ben Fisher's break and coolly returning the ball to the hooker who slid over.

The Guardian - Sport

Brett Stewart struck back for Manly, but Hall grabbed a second try to make it 16-6 thethomeome side at half-time.

BBC

But a further Myler penalty meant Irish needed to score a second try to force a result and, despite some late pressure, Northampton completed victory to hold onto second place in the Premiership table.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I paused for a second trying to figure out how to respond to a comment I never expected.

Huffington Post

You don't have to spend a second trying to overcome it, if you simply wrap your arms around it and make it your best friend.

Huffington Post

Without requiring the condition that the coefficients are smooth functions, this paper is a first try to apply the backstepping control design method to prove the globally asymptotic stability in probability of stochastic nonlinear systems in strict-feedback form.

Journal of the Franklin Institute

Winger James Stephenson added a fifth try to wrap up Worcester's third win.

BBC

Carl Meyer crossed after the break for a fourth try to secure the bonus point.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a second try to", ensure the context clearly indicates what the first attempt was and why a second attempt is being made. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague sentences like "He made a second try to something." Always specify the goal or action being attempted, for example, "He made a second try to start the engine."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second try to" primarily functions as a prelude to an infinitive verb, indicating an intention or effort to repeat an action. It sets the stage for describing the specific goal or task being attempted again, often after an initial failure or incomplete success, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Sports

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a second try to" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted expression used to indicate a repeated attempt at something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and scientific domains. While not exceptionally common, its meaning is clear, and it serves to emphasize persistence. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the action being attempted. Alternatives such as "another attempt at" and "a renewed effort to" may provide a more formal tone in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another attempt at

This phrase replaces "try" with "attempt" and uses "at" instead of "to", creating a noun-based structure.

a renewed effort to

Substitutes "try" with "effort", emphasizing the exertion of energy, and uses "renewed" to highlight the restart.

a follow-up attempt to

Adds "follow-up" to specify that this attempt comes directly after a previous one.

a subsequent endeavor to

Replaces "try" with "endeavor", suggesting a more formal and determined attempt.

a repeated attempt to

Uses "repeated" to highlight that the attempt is not necessarily immediately after the first, but still a reoccurrence.

a further attempt to

Indicates an additional effort, implying there may have been more than one previous attempt.

another shot at

Uses the idiom "another shot", which is more informal and implies a chance or opportunity.

a fresh start to

Suggests a completely new beginning, rather than just a repeat of a previous attempt.

a second chance to

Focuses on the opportunity being given, rather than the attempt itself.

a retry at

Uses the shorter, more direct term "retry" with "at" as a replacement for "a second try to".

FAQs

What does "a second try to" mean?

The phrase "a second try to" means making another attempt at something, implying that a previous attempt has already been made. It suggests a repeated effort towards a specific goal.

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

It's appropriate to use "a second try to" when you want to emphasize that an action is being attempted again after a previous effort. For example, "After failing the first time, she decided to make "a second try to" pass the exam".

Are there more formal alternatives to "a second try to"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "another attempt at" or "a renewed effort to". These options sound more professional and are suitable for business or academic writing.

Is "a second try to" always followed by a verb?

Yes, "a second try to" is typically followed by a verb in its infinitive form. For example, "a second try to succeed", or "a second try to improve".