first time or second time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first time or second time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to compare multiple occurrences or attempts of an action or experience. Example: "I went skydiving for the first time yesterday, and it was such an exhilarating experience. I can't wait to do it again, but next time I want to try bungee jumping for the second time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Thus, whether it's your first time or second time, proper preparation for the LSAT is likely to result in higher LSAT score.

Huffington Post

The study population was stratified by year of donation, age at time of donation (17 26 years or 27 65, using median age as a cut off point), sex, mother tongue (Sindhi, or other), level of literacy (illiterate or literate), and frequency of donation (first time or second time or more).

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

TR: Coming the first time or tenth time, every time you learn something.

The Guardian

Staal, the Rangers' top defenseman coming into the season, practiced with the team for what he called "the second time or third time, depending on how you count it".

The New York Times

"But then, their second time or third time into the country, they're asking, 'What can I find that is more authentic than Tuscany or the Veneto?'" he said.

BBC

In the past, a second-time or third-time bride would generally have a low-key ceremony to inaugurate a new marriage, but such modesty has fallen out of fashion, much to the relief of the industry.

The New Yorker

Make sure you have pros or at least an adult when attempting a move for the first time or first few times.

WikiHow

There was no catastrophic damage the first time, the second time or even the third time.

The New York Times - Science

Thus the court has refused to rethink what it said the first time, the second time or the third time it considered Microsoft's case.

Forbes

First time farce, second time farce?

The New Yorker

"First time take, second time big problem, O.K.?" he said, wheeling the cart away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "first time or second time", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or event is being repeated. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "first time or second time" without specifying what is being attempted. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and loses its impact. Be specific about the action or experience you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first time or second time" functions as an adverbial phrase of frequency, modifying a verb by indicating how often an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first time or second time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating potential repetition or accounting for both initial and subsequent occurrences. Ludwig AI confirms this, and examples show its usage across news, science, and general contexts. While not excessively formal, it's versatile enough for professional communication, with related phrases like "initially or subsequently" offering more formal alternatives. When using the phrase, ensure you provide clear context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon initial or subsequent attempts

Rephrases the idea with a more formal tone, focusing on the attempts themselves.

whether it's the initial instance or a repeat occurrence

Emphasizes the distinction between the very first experience and any subsequent ones.

on the first or a following occasion

Uses 'occasion' as a synonym for 'time', offering a slightly more formal alternative.

during the opening or a later experience

Focuses on the 'experience' aspect, suitable for contexts emphasizing personal encounters.

at the premiere or a rerun

Employs 'premiere' and 'rerun' metaphorically to indicate first and subsequent times, respectively.

the maiden voyage or a return trip

Uses nautical terms to represent the first and subsequent experiences, adding a touch of novelty.

in the inaugural or a follow-up session

Adopts a formal tone with 'inaugural' and 'follow-up', suitable for structured or official contexts.

for the debut or a reprise

Brings a theatrical flair, suggesting a performance or presentation context.

initially or thereafter

Offers a concise and formal alternative, focusing on the sequence of events.

at the start or again later

Simplifies the concept, making it more accessible and direct.

FAQs

How can I use "first time or second time" in a sentence?

You can use "first time or second time" to indicate repeated attempts or experiences. For example, "Whether it's your "first time" or "second time" applying, ensure your application is complete."

What is a simpler way to say "first time or second time"?

Alternatives include "initially or subsequently" or "on the first or a following occasion", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "first time or second time"?

Yes, the phrase "first time or second time" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe the initial or repeated occurrence of an event or action.

What's the difference between "first time" and "first time or second time"?

"First time" refers to the very first occurrence, whereas "first time or second time" suggests considering both the initial attempt and a subsequent one. The latter implies a possibility of repetition.