coming back for seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming back for seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of food, referring to someone returning to get a second serving of a meal. Example: "After finishing my first plate, I couldn't resist coming back for seconds of that delicious lasagna."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Huffington Post

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"After skating it once, you will be coming back for seconds".

The New York Times

The chemicals are highly irritating, and discourage most creatures from coming back for seconds.

The New York Times - Food

Nor does he apparently tire of coming back for seconds and thirds.

The Guardian - Arts

Phoenix is an Allen first-timer but Stone coming back for seconds suggests she may follow in the footsteps of Scarlett Johansson, Diane Keaton and Mia Farrow as Allen's female lead of choice.

The Guardian - Film

We made it a habit of coming back for seconds and thirds.

Los Angeles Times

But once a person's life has ended, they're not coming back for seconds.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"People are being more tentative and selective, so we're having many more people coming back for second looks".

The New York Times

The "All Star" contestants coming back for second chance at design glory include fan favorites such as the flamboyant Austin Scarlett, the very tatted Kathleen "Sweet P Vaughnn and the adorable Season 8 runner-up Mondo Guerra, writes the Hollywood Reporter.

Huffington Post

Some came back for seconds.

The New York Times

The food writer Jonathan Gold came back for seconds.

The New Yorker

They eat and they come back for seconds.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming back for seconds" when you want to convey that something was so enjoyable or desirable that someone wants to experience it again, especially in the context of food. It can also be used metaphorically to describe other situations where someone seeks a repeated experience.

Common error

Avoid using "coming back for seconds" in situations where the idea of repetition is negative or unwanted. The phrase typically carries a connotation of enjoyment or satisfaction, so it wouldn't be appropriate in contexts where the repetition is due to a problem or failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming back for seconds" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of a larger verb phrase. It typically describes the action of returning to obtain a second serving of something, usually food. As shown in Ludwig, this can also be used metaphorically to indicate a repeated positive experience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Huffington Post

12%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "coming back for seconds" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression primarily used to describe the act of returning for a second serving of food, though it can be used metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It typically conveys a sense of enjoyment or satisfaction, prompting the desire for repetition. While its register is generally neutral, it leans towards informal usage. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Huffington Post and Wiki sources. Be mindful to avoid using it in contexts where the idea of repetition carries negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Coming back for a second helping

Similar to the original phrase but specifies 'helping'.

Returning for another helping

Focuses specifically on returning for more food or a portion of something.

Getting seconds

A shortened, more casual version of coming back for seconds, still primarily food-related.

Going back for more

A more general phrase implying a return for an increased quantity of something.

Requesting a second serving

Specifically asking for another portion of food.

Seeking a repeat

Implies a desire to experience something again, not necessarily food related.

Returning for round two

An informal way of saying you are coming back to do something again.

Wanting an encore

Suggests a desire for a performance or event to be repeated.

Returning for a second dose

Implies returning for another instance, often used when referring to medication or something similar.

Seeking a rematch

Related to competition; wanting to compete again.

FAQs

How can I use "coming back for seconds" in a sentence?

You can use "coming back for seconds" to describe someone returning for more food, as in, "The pie was so delicious that everyone was "coming back for seconds"." It can also be used metaphorically, like, "After the success of their first project, they were "coming back for seconds" with a new initiative."

What does "coming back for seconds" mean?

"Coming back for seconds" literally refers to returning to get a second serving of food. Figuratively, it means returning for more of something enjoyable or successful. It implies that the initial experience was positive and worth repeating.

Are there alternative ways to say "coming back for seconds"?

Yes, some alternatives include "going back for more", "getting seconds", or "returning for another helping", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "coming back for seconds" in formal writing?

While "coming back for seconds" is generally understood, it may be too informal for some formal writing contexts. In such cases, consider using a more formal alternative like "seeking a repeat performance" or "requesting additional resources", depending on the specific situation.