i second the motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I second the motion" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used in formal settings such as meetings or discussions to indicate agreement with a suggestion or proposal. Example: During the board meeting, Sarah suggested that the company should invest in a new marketing campaign. John responded, "I second the motion. I think it's a great idea and will help boost our sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

HENDRIK HERTZBERG: I second the motion.

The New Yorker

To one despairing outsider, Austan Goolsbee, a former adviser to Barack Obama, Europeans are like the ineffective windbags in Monty Python's "Life of Brian"—"where, you know, the guy comes out and says, 'We need to act,' and the next one says, 'You're right, let's draft no more talking…I second the motion.

The Economist

If someone says "I second the motion" or similar, record that person's name as the seconder.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

All I did was second the motion".

The New York Times

The title of the play suggests a certain childishness in its characters, and its introductory music — a high-pitched kids' version of "All You Need Is Love" — seconds the motion.

The New Yorker

I second Dan Savage's motion that we adopt a constitutional amendment explicitly endorsing the right to privacy, only I would call it the right to personal autonomy (that is, the right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies).

The New York Times

The dogs second the motion.

The New York Times

Did anybody second the motion?

The New York Times

Steinbrenner wasn't around to second the motion.

The New York Times - Sports

One dog barked, "I think we should elect for our leader the French Poodle, the smartest dog!" A French Poodle seconded the motion, but another dog yipped, "Wait!

Huffington Post

The historian seconded the motion.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I second the motion" in formal meetings or debates when you agree with a proposal and want to formally support it, ensuring the motion proceeds to discussion and voting.

Common error

Avoid using "I second the motion" in casual conversations or informal settings. It's a phrase best reserved for formal meetings, debates, or parliamentary procedures. In casual context, use "I agree" or "I support that" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I second the motion" functions as a performative utterance, formally expressing support for a proposal in a meeting or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ensure a motion proceeds to further discussion and voting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic & Scientific

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I second the motion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, especially in formal settings like meetings and debates, as verified by Ludwig AI. It serves to formally express support for a proposal, ensuring it proceeds to discussion and voting. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its use is less common in academic or scientific discourse. Remember to reserve this phrase for formal contexts and opt for simpler alternatives like "I agree" in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I support the motion

Replaces "second" with "support", directly indicating agreement.

I second the proposal

Replaces motion with the word proposal.

I endorse the motion

Uses "endorse" to convey a stronger level of agreement and approval.

I agree with the motion

A straightforward way of expressing agreement.

I am in favor of the motion

Formally expresses support for the proposal.

I concur with the motion

Uses "concur" to indicate agreement, often in a formal context.

Consider it seconded

A more concise, assertive way to indicate that the motion is seconded.

I give my support to the motion

Phrases the agreement as actively giving support.

I back the motion

Uses "back" as a more informal synonym for support.

I second that

A shortened version of the original phrase, implying agreement with the immediately preceding statement.

FAQs

What does "I second the motion" mean?

It's a formal way to express agreement with a proposal during a meeting, indicating that you support it and want it to be discussed and voted on.

Where is it appropriate to use "I second the motion"?

This phrase is best suited for formal meetings, parliamentary procedures, or debates where proposals are formally presented and require a seconder to proceed.

What can I say instead of "I second the motion" in a formal setting?

Alternatives include "I support the motion", "I endorse the motion", or "I am in favor of the motion", all of which convey your agreement and support for the proposal.

Is "I second the motion" grammatically correct?

Yes, it's a grammatically correct and standard phrase used in formal settings to indicate agreement with a motion or proposal.