after a second look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after a second look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you have reconsidered something or taken a closer examination of a situation or object. Example: "After a second look, I realized that I had missed an important detail in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But after a second look, Pletcher saw potential and a pedigree that he had faith in.

The New York Times - Sports

("After a second look later in the season, I raised all of Tiny's grades," Garfinkel said).

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes, after a second look, the message seems not quite right.

The New York Times

But after a second look, then a third look and a lot of daydreaming, Mr. Flaherty decided that the 120- year-old home should remain for other generations to appreciate.

The New York Times

A headed goal by Aaron Long in the 80th minute was overturned by video-assistant review, the second time in the two-leg series the Red Bulls had scored a goal only for it to be erased after a second look.

The New York Times - Sports

After a second look at these, however, we can generally cut that back dramatically.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

After taking a second look at its policy, the Mountain West Conference is barring employees or alumni of host teams from serving in the instant replay booth at games.

The New York Times

After taking a second look, they suspected that what they were seeing was not consensual sex, and, as is now well known, chased and held down the perp until cops arrived.

Vice

I hadn't earned these congratulations, after all". So, a second look.

The New Yorker

A woman in front of me turned to look, her head snapped back and after she took a second look, she glanced at a man sitting near her and smiled.

The New York Times

After that, take a second look in the mirror, then you can trim.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "after a second look" to indicate a change in opinion or assessment based on further examination. For example, "After a second look, the data revealed a different pattern."

Common error

Avoid using "after a second look" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "upon closer inspection" or "on further consideration" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after a second look" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It indicates the timing or condition under which a subsequent action or realization occurs. As Ludwig AI points out, it signifies reconsideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "after a second look" is a prepositional phrase indicating a revised understanding based on further examination. Grammatically correct and commonly used, it functions adverbially, modifying verbs or clauses to explain a shift in perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and accepted in many contexts. While primarily found in news and media and scientific sources, its register is considered neutral. For alternatives, consider "upon closer inspection" or "on further consideration", but avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon closer inspection

Emphasizes a more detailed and careful examination.

on further consideration

Highlights the act of thinking about something again.

with renewed scrutiny

Indicates a more critical and attentive examination.

after reevaluation

Focuses on the process of reassessing something.

on reflection

Suggests a thoughtful reconsideration of something.

a second appraisal

Implies a formal or professional reassessment.

following reconsideration

Highlights the act of thinking about something again.

in retrospect

Suggests looking back at something with new understanding.

after further review

Indicates a more formal or official reconsideration.

with the benefit of hindsight

Emphasizes understanding gained from past events.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "after a second look"?

You can use alternatives like "upon closer inspection", "on further consideration", or "after reevaluation" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "after a second look" in formal writing?

Yes, "after a second look" is acceptable in formal writing, although alternatives like "upon closer inspection" may sound more professional in certain contexts. Consider your audience and the specific tone you wish to convey.

What does "after a second look" imply?

It implies that an initial assessment was either incomplete or incorrect, and that further examination led to a revised understanding or opinion.

Can I use "after a second look" to describe an action?

Yes, it can describe an action. For example, "After a second look, I decided to revise the proposal" indicates that the decision to revise was made after a more thorough review.