gave it a second try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave it a second try" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to making another attempt at something after an initial failure or unsuccessful attempt. Example: "After failing the exam the first time, she decided to give it a second try and studied harder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At least there was both times I sampled the dish, and I gave it a second try in the ardent hope that the letdown on the first go-round was a fluke.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many of them may return in September, when the organizers plan to give it a second try.

The New York Times

According to Localytics, a mobile-analytics firm, after downloading and opening an app, an average of 22 percent of users never give it a second try.

The New York Times

"We have had great success with candidates who have given it a second try and we very much see the results of this election trending along those same lines," said Stacy Kerr, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

The New York Times

If you are unsure, make the plans and give it a second try.

Huffington Post

But, it's a fact that if you are brave enough to give it a second try, the divorce rate for subsequent marriages is higher.

HuffPost

Whether you've had a bad experience with okra and want to give it a second try or are just cooking it for the first time, use one or a combination of the following techniques the next time you're cooking it.

HuffPost

So give it a second try with the nerves calmed down a bit.

WikiHow

She then chaired the province's review of the law in 2000, and is now giving it a third try as the co-chair of the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care's task force to "modernize" the policy.

Vice

But as the gray monolith turns 80 years old on May 1, it is worth giving it a second — or first — try.

BBC

In 2009, Oakland gave it a try: it became the first city in the country to tax marijuana.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gave it a second try" when you want to emphasize that someone made a conscious decision to attempt something again, especially after an initial setback. It suggests persistence and a willingness to overcome challenges.

Common error

While "gave it a second try" is acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "tried again" or "made another attempt" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave it a second try" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of attempting something again. Ludwig confirms its usability, showing it is correctly employed to denote renewed effort after an initial attempt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gave it a second try" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone made another attempt at something, especially after an initial failure. Ludwig shows this phrase is usable and applicable in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable, it's advisable to vary your language to avoid repetition. Alternatives include "tried again" or "made another attempt". The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both casual and more formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tried again

Focuses on the action of repeating an attempt, simplifying the original phrase.

made another attempt

More formal and emphasizes the effort made in the second attempt.

revisited the idea

Shifts the focus to reconsidering an idea or plan.

reconsidered it

Highlights the act of thinking about something again, possibly leading to a different decision.

took another shot

Informal and suggests a chance-based attempt.

had a second go

More common in British English, indicating another attempt.

returned to it

Focuses on going back to something previously left.

gave it another shot

Similar to 'took another shot', implying a chance-based effort with a slight variation.

attempted it anew

More formal, highlighting a fresh start in the attempt.

checked it again

Indicates verifying or inspecting something for a second time, often for accuracy.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "gave it a second try" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "made another attempt" or "revisited the approach" instead of "gave it a second try".

What's a more casual alternative to "gave it a second try"?

If you're aiming for a more casual tone, you could say "tried again" or "took another shot".

Is it grammatically correct to say "give it a second try"?

Yes, "give it a second try" is grammatically correct. The past tense, "gave it a second try", is used when referring to a past action.

When is it appropriate to use "gave it a second try" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "gave it a second try" when describing a situation where someone has attempted something more than once, particularly after an initial failure or when they want to improve upon a previous result.