a strong second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a notable or impressive performance that is not in first place, often in competitions or rankings. Example: "Although she didn't win the race, finishing with a strong second place was an impressive achievement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"He's a strong second".

The New York Times

More realistically, Morrisons will hope for a strong second place.

The Guardian - Business

He comes in a strong second in Alaska's tiny caucus.

The New York Times

But The Left came a strong second with 28%.

The Economist

The result shows gallium arsenic (GaAs) monolayer produces a strong second harmonic generation (SHG) response.

Applied Surface Science

Sarah Hall's The Electric Michelangelo was a strong second novel; Jhumpa Lahiri ( The Namesake ) writes well.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Sebrle is a strong second-day decathlete, and Pappas is traditionally a better first-day competitor.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, they attacked one another, battling for a strong second-place finish.

The Guardian

A strong second-place finish in Heywood and Middleton will underscore the strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think they would be pleased with a strong second-place showing".

The New York Times - Tech

"But it cost him a strong second-place finish," Mr. Garth said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a strong second" to acknowledge a performance or result that is commendable but not the best, often implying that the difference between first and second place was not substantial. It acknowledges effort and capability.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong second" sarcastically or to diminish an achievement. It should convey respect for the effort and outcome, even if it wasn't the ultimate victory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong second" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, often 'place', 'finish', or 'performance'. It describes the quality of achieving second position, emphasizing the competitiveness and worthiness of the runner-up. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Unknown

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a strong second" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a commendable performance that falls just short of first place. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news reports, sports analyses, and scientific publications. Its primary function is to acknowledge effort and skill, conveying respect for the achievement even without ultimate victory. When using the phrase, ensure it reflects genuine appreciation for the runner-up's efforts, rather than sarcasm or negativity. Consider alternatives like "solid runner-up" or "impressive second position" to fine-tune the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid runner-up

Emphasizes reliability and consistency in achieving second place.

commendable second place

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the second-place achievement.

impressive second position

Focuses on the impact and noteworthiness of attaining second position.

notable second showing

Indicates that the second-place performance is worthy of attention.

respectable second rank

Suggests that the second-place ranking is deserving of respect.

significant second spot

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of securing second spot.

formidable second contender

Highlights the competitive strength of the person or team finishing second.

robust second effort

Emphasizes the strength and vigor applied in the effort to achieve second place.

valuable second achievement

Suggests the second-place result holds significant value or benefit.

remarkable second performance

Indicates an exceptional or noteworthy performance resulting in second place.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strong second" to describe a commendable achievement that didn't quite reach first place. For example, "Despite not winning, she secured "a strong second" place in the competition".

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

Some alternatives include "solid runner-up", "commendable second place", or "impressive second position", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a strong second" in formal writing?

Yes, "a strong second" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in contexts such as sports reports, business analyses, or academic papers where objective descriptions of performance are required.

What does it imply when someone finishes "a strong second"?

It implies that the person or team performed well and was a serious contender for first place, but ultimately fell slightly short. It acknowledges their effort and capability, suggesting the margin of difference was not substantial.