for the second consecutive month

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the second consecutive month" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has occurred for two months in a row without interruption. Example: "Sales have increased for the second consecutive month, showing a positive trend in our business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Data released on Wednesday, for example, showed that the euro zone's manufacturing and services sectors contracted for the second consecutive month in March.

The New York Times

Contracts to purchase previously owned American homes fell for the second consecutive month in July, with the decline much wider than expected.

The New York Times

OUTPUT, DEMAND AND JOBS Germany's 12-month rate of industrial production growth slowed for the second consecutive month in December, to 3.3%.

The Economist

On the other hand, sales of existing homes rose for the second consecutive month in June, and by much more than analysts expected.

The Economist

He won the award for the second consecutive month in January.

Wikipedia

Consumer confidence rose in June for the second consecutive month.

The Economist

Manufacturing activity in China grew in November for the second consecutive month.

The New York Times

New orders have slumped and unemployment rose in February for the second consecutive month.

The Economist

The F.B.I. says that the number of criminal background-check applications for purchases of guns set a record in December for the second consecutive month.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, the private Institute for Supply Management said activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in July for the second consecutive month.

The New York Times

For the second consecutive month, employers added scarcely any jobs in June, startling evidence that the economic recovery is stumbling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the second consecutive month" to clearly indicate a trend or recurring event that has happened without interruption for two months. This phrase is particularly useful in reports, analyses, and news articles to highlight consistency.

Common error

Avoid using "sequential" or "concurrent" interchangeably with "consecutive". "Sequential" simply means following in order, while "concurrent" means happening at the same time. "Consecutive" specifies an unbroken sequence, which is key to the phrase's meaning. Ensure the context truly reflects an uninterrupted two-month period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the second consecutive month" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the duration and recurrence of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for the second consecutive month" is a grammatically correct and highly prevalent adverbial phrase used to underscore the consistent recurrence of an event over a two-month duration. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as verified by Ludwig, it serves to emphasize ongoing trends or patterns. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context accurately reflects an unbroken sequence and avoid confusion with similar terms like "sequential" or "concurrent". Simpler alternatives like "for two months in a row" exist, but lack the formal tone. Ludwig AI indicates strong usability and clear meaning in a wide range of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two months in a row

Presents a simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

for two straight months

Emphasizes the uninterrupted sequence of two months using more informal language.

in the second straight month

Uses "straight" as a synonym for "consecutive", maintaining a similar level of formality.

in two successive months

Uses a more formal tone with the word "successive" replacing "consecutive".

for the second month in succession

Mirrors the original phrase but replaces "consecutive" with "in succession".

for the past two months

Focuses on the time frame, highlighting that the event has occurred within the last two months.

during two sequential months

Employs the term "sequential" to highlight the ordered nature of the months.

during the two most recent months

Highlights the recency of the two-month period with a more descriptive approach.

over the last couple of months

Employs a more casual tone, using "couple" instead of a precise number.

for the second month running

Uses the idiom "running" to convey continuity, offering a slightly less formal alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "for the second consecutive month" in a sentence?

You can use "for the second consecutive month" to describe a recurring event or trend. For example, "Sales have increased "for the second consecutive month", indicating a positive trend."

What's the difference between "for the second consecutive month" and "for two months in a row"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "for the second consecutive month" is often perceived as more formal. "For two months in a row" is a simpler, more direct alternative.

Is it correct to say "for the second consecutive months"?

No, the correct phrasing is ""for the second consecutive month"". The word "month" should be singular because the phrase refers to a specific, recurring instance.

What are some formal alternatives to "for the second consecutive month"?

Formal alternatives include "in two successive months" or "during two sequential months". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.