do it second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do it second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving instructions or indicating the order of tasks to be completed, specifically that the second task should be done after the first. Example: "First, gather all the materials you need, and then do it second by starting the assembly process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There was amazing pressure to follow up Borat, and it was obviously much, much harder to do it second time around.

The Guardian - Music

So, it will be a three-hour evening, and sometimes, we'll do...Comes Alive! first, and sometimes we'll do it second, depending on how we feel.

Huffington Post

That's a thing you should do first so you don't do it second and end up kicking people out.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They just get to do it first.

The New York Times - Magazine

And somebody has to do it first.

The Guardian

Do it first thing in the morning.

The Guardian - Opinion

The administration should do it first.

The New York Times

Here's how you do it: First, update your systems.

The New York Times

"He was proud to do it, first of all.

The New York Times

So do it first and figure it out later.

The New York Times - Books

Why had we let those other girls do it first?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, clearly delineate the first action before stating "do it second" to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Gather your materials first, then "do it second" by beginning the assembly."

Common error

Avoid using "do it second" without clearly stating the initial step. This can confuse the reader about the sequence of actions. Be specific: "After you've read the instructions, "do it second" - start assembling the parts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do it second" primarily functions as an instructional marker, guiding the listener or reader to perform an action in a specific sequence. Ludwig's examples show it is commonly used when outlining steps or procedures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do it second" serves as a clear and concise way to indicate the sequential order of actions, commonly found in instructional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While "do it second" is more prevalent in news, wiki, and scientific content, it is essential to ensure clarity by specifying the initial action before instructing someone to "do it second". For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "perform it subsequently". Overall, this phrase provides a direct and easily understandable way to guide someone through a series of steps.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete it in the second step

Expands on the original phrase by specifying that the action should be completed in the second step of a process.

perform it subsequently

Replaces "do" with "perform" and "second" with "subsequently", emphasizing the act of carrying out the action at a later time.

do it as a follow-up

Highlights the action as a continuation or consequence of a previous action.

execute it secondly

Replaces "do" with "execute" and adds "-ly" to "second", formalizing the instruction and emphasizing order.

undertake it following the first

Replaces "do" with "undertake" and clarifies the sequence explicitly, making it more formal.

handle it afterward

Uses "handle" instead of "do" and "afterward" instead of "second", focusing on managing the task following another.

act on it after the initial action

Uses "act on it" instead of "do it" and specifies that the action should be performed after the initial action.

address it thereafter

Replaces "do" with "address" and "second" with "thereafter", indicating a formal approach to dealing with something sequentially.

proceed with it as the second priority

Changes the focus to prioritization, indicating that the action should be done as the second most important task.

take care of it later

Uses "take care of it" for "do it" and "later" for "second", simplifying the language and denoting a non-immediate action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do it second" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "perform it subsequently" or "execute it secondly". These options add a level of professionalism and precision.

Is "do it second" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "do it second" is grammatically correct and understandable. It's commonly used in instructions or explanations to indicate the order of actions.

What is a simpler alternative to "do it second"?

A simpler alternative would be "do it next" or "do it afterwards". These options are more conversational and easier to grasp.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "do it second"?

The phrase "do it second" is appropriate in contexts where you are providing instructions or outlining a process that involves multiple steps. It's suitable for both informal and semi-formal situations.