came in second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'came in second' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone or something did not win or come in first place but achieved the second-best result or ranking. For example, "Lauren's team came in second place in the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Golden Gate Bridge came in second.

Los Angeles Times

I came in second.

The New York Times - Magazine

(She came in second).

The New York Times

Azerbaijan came in second.

The New York Times

Sartorial scoop came in second.

The New York Times

The Virginian-Pilot came in second.

The New York Times

"PeopleSoft came in second or third.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Lipnitskaya came in fifth.

The New Yorker

He came in second.

The New York Times - Arts

(Sex came in first).

The New Yorker

(Dr. Lyubomirsky came in first).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing results in a competition or ranking, use "came in second" to clearly indicate the runner-up position.

Common error

Avoid using "came second" as it is less common and might sound awkward. Always include the preposition "in" for clarity and naturalness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came in second" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating the achievement of the second position in a competition, ranking, or election. It commonly follows a noun or pronoun that identifies the person or entity that achieved this rank. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "came in second" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe achieving the second position in a competition, ranking, or election. Ludwig AI indicates its prevalent use across various contexts. It is generally considered neutral in register, making it suitable for news, academic writing, and general conversation. Related phrases include "finished as runner-up" and "placed second". Remember to use the preposition "in" for clarity. Avoid using "came second", as it's less common and may sound awkward. The phrase serves the purpose of conveying factual information about an outcome and is widely understood in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Placed second

A concise way to indicate the final position in a competition or ranking.

Ended in second position

Similar to "came in second" but with a slightly more formal tone.

Finished as runner-up

Emphasizes the act of finishing the competition in second place, highlighting the sporting aspect.

Ranked second

Emphasizes the statistical or numerical aspect of the ranking.

Secured second place

Highlights the achievement of obtaining the second position, suggesting a level of effort and success.

Claimed the second spot

Highlights the act of earning or winning the second position.

Achieved the second rank

Focuses on the ranking aspect, suitable for academic or structured environments.

Was the second-best

Directly states the quality of being second, implying a comparison with others.

Was the second to cross the finish line

Focuses specifically on the context of a race or competition involving crossing a finish line.

Followed closely behind the winner

Describes the closeness of the result to the winner and suggests being a strong competitor.

FAQs

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

You can use "came in second" to describe finishing in the second position in a competition, election, or ranking. For example, "Our team "came in second" in the robotics competition this year".

What are some alternative ways to say "came in second"?

Alternatives include "finished as runner-up", "secured second place", or "placed second". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "came second" instead of "came in second"?

While "came second" might be understood, ""came in second"" is the more common and grammatically preferred phrasing.

What's the difference between "came in second" and "almost won"?

"Came in second" indicates a specific result, while "almost won" expresses a near-win situation, but without specifying the exact outcome. "Came in second" gives a definite ranking; "almost won" suggests a close competition.