gave it a second thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave it a second thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone reconsidered something after initially making a decision. For example, "When they offered him the job, he initially declined, but he gave it a second thought and accepted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Not that Brian gave it a second thought.

Independent

"I never gave it a second thought," Pfenning said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We never gave it a second thought," she says.

The Guardian

"No one gave it a second thought at that time," Crocker told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mourning, the Miami Heat center, gave it a second thought over the telephone last week.

The New York Times - Sports

It's so routine that I never gave it a second thought.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

So, give your pal a gift, make it thoughtful and generous, and don't give it a second thought.

The New York Times

Don't give it a second thought.

The New York Times - Books

Many people don't give it a second thought.

The New York Times

I'd never given it a second thought.

The New York Times - Style

"Now I don't give it a second thought".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gave it a second thought" to show that someone reconsidered a decision or action, often implying a change of mind or perspective. For example, "After initially refusing the offer, she "gave it a second thought" and accepted the position."

Common error

Avoid using "gave it a second thought" when you mean someone pondered something extensively from the beginning. This phrase implies an initial lack of consideration followed by a re-evaluation. Using the phrase to describe an action that already has a level of thought behind it may feel redundant and awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave it a second thought" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone reconsidered something. It suggests a change in opinion or decision after initial consideration, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gave it a second thought" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of reconsidering something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various writing contexts, especially within news and media. The phrase suggests a shift in perspective or a change of mind after initial contemplation. While alternatives like "reconsidered it" or "had second thoughts" exist, "gave it a second thought" maintains a neutral tone and widespread applicability. Use this phrase to show a change in decision or action after the first intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had second thoughts

Highlights the emergence of doubt or reservations.

reconsidered it

Focuses on the act of thinking about something again.

re-evaluated it

Emphasizes a more formal or structured reassessment.

didn't mull it over

Suggests a quick decision without deep contemplation.

didn't dwell on it

Indicates a lack of prolonged consideration.

didn't lose sleep over it

Conveys a lack of concern or worry about the issue.

didn't pause to consider

Emphasizes the absence of a break for reflection.

brushed it aside

Implies a casual disregard for the matter.

dismissed it outright

Shows immediate rejection without further thought.

let it slide

Suggests overlooking something, often a mistake or minor offense.

FAQs

How can I use "gave it a second thought" in a sentence?

You can use "gave it a second thought" to express that someone reconsidered something. For example, "He initially declined the invitation, but then "gave it a second thought" and decided to attend."

What does it mean to give something a second thought?

To give something a second thought means to reconsider or re-evaluate something after an initial decision or reaction. It implies that the person has taken additional time to think about the matter.

What can I say instead of "gave it a second thought"?

Alternatives include "reconsidered it", "had second thoughts", or "re-evaluated it" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "give it a second thought" or "gave it a second thought"?

"Gave it a second thought" is used when referring to something that has already happened in the past. "Give it a second thought" is used as a request or suggestion to consider something again.