asks for a second helping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asks for a second helping" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone requesting an additional portion of food, typically after finishing their first serving. Example: "After finishing her plate, she happily asks for a second helping of the delicious pasta."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

John Davies was 8 when Lean chose him to play Oliver, the mistreated orphan who asks for a second helping of gruel at the workhouse ("Please, sir, I want some more"), is cast into the street and is later taken to the lair of Fagin (Alec Guinness), the needle-nosed old man who schools boys in picking pockets.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

SORRY, but who asked for a second helping?

The Economist

Mr. Roosevelt did not approve but asked for a second helping.

The New Yorker

No one will ask for a second helping of Carlo Weisz.

The New York Times - Books

She asked for a second helping, and I was so pleased".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At this point a jovial fat guest asked for a second helping (always a compliment to the dinner-party cook), and while he was eating it, his chair collapsed, to the mirth of the others.

The New York Times - Magazine

And so we came to pudding: me to strawberries with champagne jelly and lavender panna cotta; Lois to a pavé of white and dark chocolate with raspberries to which she surrendered with such pleasure that for one moment I thought she was going to ask for a second helping.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I ask for a second helping but Adolph offers me something even more exotic: a freshly squeezed seal eyeball.

Huffington Post

It could be my 3-year old daughter asking for a second helping of pasta or my son raiding my mom's refrigerator looking for olives.

Huffington Post

When parents or teachers had conversations with children, they often doled out advice about not being wasteful, balancing the desire for toys and other fun stuff against practical needs, and never asking for a second helping until you've finished what's on your plate.

Huffington Post

They can always ask for a second helping if they are hungry.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asks for a second helping", ensure the context clearly involves food or drink being offered or available. This phrase is commonly understood in a dining or mealtime scenario.

Common error

Avoid using "asks for a second helping" when the context doesn't involve a shared meal or offering of food. The term "helping" implies that food is being served or shared, so using it in other contexts can be confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asks for a second helping" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a request for an additional portion of food. The verb "asks" signifies the action of requesting, while "a second helping" specifies what is being requested. Ludwig confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asks for a second helping" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe someone requesting an additional portion of food. Ludwig examples show it is mostly found in news and media contexts and indicates a neutral register. While grammatically correct, it is important to ensure the context is appropriate, specifically when food is being offered. Consider using related phrases like "requests another portion" or "wants more food" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requests another portion

Formal alternative focusing on the act of requesting.

requests a second serving

Similar to 'requests another portion' but specifies a 'serving'.

wants more food

Simpler and more direct way of expressing the desire for more food.

would like more

Expresses a preference for an additional serving.

desires a refill

Implies the food or drink is in a container that can be refilled.

inquires about seconds

Polite and somewhat formal way to ask if more food is available.

seeks an additional helping

More formal and literary alternative.

goes back for seconds

Focuses on the action of getting more food.

indicates wanting more

A more general phrase expressing the desire for more food without explicitly asking.

demands more food

Stronger expression, implying a forceful request.

FAQs

What does "asks for a second helping" mean?

It means someone is requesting an additional portion of food after they have finished their first serving. It usually implies they enjoyed the meal and want more.

How can I use "asks for a second helping" in a sentence?

Example: "After tasting the pie, he eagerly asks for a second helping."

What can I say instead of "asks for a second helping"?

You can use alternatives like "requests another portion", "wants more food", or "would like more".

Is it impolite to "ask for a second helping"?

Generally, it is not impolite to ask for a second helping if the host offers or if it's a buffet-style setting. However, consider cultural norms and the generosity of the offering. If you are a guest, use your best judgement.