go back for seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go back for seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of meals, referring to someone returning to the food table to have a second helping of food after finishing the first. Example: "After finishing my plate, I couldn't resist the delicious lasagna and decided to go back for seconds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

HuffPost

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Still, after all, we'd go back for seconds in a second.

The New York Times

Then wait at least 20 minutes after you finish the first helping before you decide to go back for seconds.

The New York Times - Health

Taste a little bit of everything first, then go back for seconds of whatever tasted the best.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's an obvious temptation to overeat when faced with a big pot of food and a hungry stomach, so I try to decide on a sensible amount to plate up and never go back for seconds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The French eat all sorts of "unhealthy" foods, but they do it according to a strict and stable set of rules: they eat small portions and don't go back for seconds; they don't snack; they seldom eat alone, and communal meals are long, leisurely affairs.

The New York Times - Magazine

The blessedly easy-to-navigate architecture of The Complete New Yorker renders it a literary dim sum: Take only as much as you want, because you can always go back for seconds–just try not to think about the total amount of food in the room.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Usually, it's all gone by the end of the day because the kids go back for thirds and fourths, just digging directly into the pan," she said.

The New York Times - Food

Go back for thirds.

Huffington Post

You know, the place where you've lost the weight, you feel deliciously amazing in your body, and you can go to a buffet and not go back for fifths.

Huffington Post

I'm always going back for seconds.

The New York Times

People went back for seconds, thirds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging guests to eat more, use "go back for seconds" to create a welcoming and generous atmosphere. It implies abundance and satisfaction.

Common error

While common, avoid using "go back for seconds" repeatedly in formal writing. Opt for synonyms like "have a second helping" or "take more" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go back for seconds" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the act of taking a second serving of food. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used and grammatically sound. Examples show its usage in various contexts, from Thanksgiving dinners to buffets.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

HuffPost

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go back for seconds" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression that describes taking a second serving of food. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it is more frequently used in neutral to informal contexts. For formal writing, consider synonyms like "have a second helping". Remember, while it indicates satisfaction, overuse can be repetitive. Diversify your language by using alternatives such as "get another serving" or "return for more".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have seconds

A shortened version of the original phrase.

have a second helping

Focuses on the act of receiving another portion.

return for more

Emphasizes the act of going back to obtain an additional portion.

get another serving

Similar to 'have a second helping' but more formal.

take more

A simple and direct way of indicating taking an additional amount.

get a refill

Specifically refers to replenishing a dish or drink.

go for another round

Implies a repeated cycle of consumption or activity.

indulge again

Highlights the pleasurable aspect of having a second serving.

revisit the buffet

Specifically refers to returning to a buffet for more food.

repeat the experience

Broadly refers to recreating a previous action or event.

FAQs

How can I use "go back for seconds" in a sentence?

You can use "go back for seconds" to describe someone taking another serving of food, such as, "The lasagna was so delicious that everyone wanted to go back for seconds."

What's another way to say "go back for seconds"?

Alternatives include "have a second helping", "get another serving", or "return for more".

Is it grammatically correct to say "go back for seconds"?

Yes, "go back for seconds" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English.

What does it mean to "go back for thirds"?

To "go back for thirds" means to take a third serving of something, typically food. It's an extension of the phrase "go back for seconds".