at their second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at their second" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a second occurrence or instance, but it needs additional context to be usable. Example: "They will meet at their second opportunity to discuss the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Women with a prior caesarean delivery are at increased risk for malpresentation at their second delivery (compared with primary vaginal deliveries at first delivery).

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

The author and his husband with their family, at their second wedding, Connecticut, July 17, 2009.

The New Yorker

He recalls how, at their second UK show, many in the crowd were audibly unconvinced.

The Guardian - Music

They stored everything at their second home in East Hampton, N.Y.

The New York Times

Almost half of those at their second choice had been accepted at their first.

The New York Times

The established repertory is crowded with works that really took off only at their second airing.

The New York Times

At their second meeting Wayne tries to kiss her, and she tries to sock him.

The Guardian - Film

Soft-serve ice cream was not in the picture there or at their second shop, in Prospect Heights.

The New York Times - Food

Like other realtors, Mr. Elliott said he had noticed increased interest among buyers in staying home at their second home.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

That was the first decline since November but still left starts at their second-highest level since January 1989.

The New York Times

Oil prices rose further yesterday, and now stand at their second-highest level since the Iraqi invasion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by specifying what the phrase refers to. For example, instead of "at their second", use "at their second attempt" or "at their second meeting".

Common error

Avoid using "at their second" without a clear noun or context. This can lead to confusion about what is being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at their second" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb by providing information about location or time. However, as Ludwig AI suggests, it generally requires a noun to complete its meaning, such as "at their second meeting" or "at their second attempt".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at their second" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a specific point in a sequence, often requiring additional context for clarity. Ludwig AI underlines its grammatical incompleteness suggesting the addition of a noun to complete its meaning. While the phrase appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and academia, it is most effective when followed by a noun to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternative phrases like "during their second" or "in their second" for enhanced precision. By specifying the noun, such as "at their second meeting" or "at their second attempt", you can ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their second

Changes the preposition to 'in', which can be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

during their second

Replaces 'at' with 'during', emphasizing the temporal aspect.

at the second

Omits 'their', suitable if the possessive is clear from context or unnecessary.

in the second

Similar to 'at the second', but uses 'in' instead of 'at'.

on their second

Substitutes 'at' with 'on', which may fit certain situations better.

after their first

Focuses on sequence by indicating what follows the initial event.

following their initial

More formal alternative to 'after their first', emphasizing sequence.

subsequent to their first

A highly formal way to indicate the event that follows the initial one.

at the location of their second

Specifies that something is happening at the physical place of their second [something].

when they are second

Focuses on a point in time when they are in second position, rank or order. It is a more literal alternative.

FAQs

How can I make the phrase "at their second" more clear?

To improve clarity, specify the noun being referenced. For example, instead of "at their second", use "at their second attempt", "at their second home", or "at their second meeting".

What are some alternatives to "at their second" that provide more context?

Consider using phrases like "during their second", "in their second", or "on their second" along with a specific noun to provide more context. For example: "during their second visit" or "in their second year".

Is "at their second" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "at their second" is often considered grammatically incomplete and needs additional context to be clear. Ludwig AI suggests that it needs more context.

What's the difference between "at their second attempt" and "during their second attempt"?

"At their second attempt" emphasizes a specific point in time, whereas "during their second attempt"/"in their second attempt"" emphasizes the duration or process of the second attempt.