idea of a second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "idea of a second" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing concepts related to time, perception, or the significance of a brief moment. Example: "The idea of a second can feel vastly different depending on the context, such as waiting in line versus enjoying a beautiful sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Theresa May's spokesman dismissed the idea of a second referendum.

The Guardian

The idea of a second game cost far more than "only a dollar".

The New York Times

The idea of a second referendum is gaining momentum among Labour lawmakers.

The New York Times

We talked". And then he brought up the idea of a second get-together.

The New York Times

Professor emeritus Howard Williams London The idea of a second referendum is not a new one.

The Guardian

Both May and the Labour frontbench under Jeremy Corbyn have so far dismissed the idea of a second referendum.

The Guardian

FOR most couples, the idea of a second home evokes images of walks on the beach or mountain vacations.

The New York Times

Lord Ashdown, the Lib Dem peer and former party leader, appeared to reject the idea of a second referendum.

The Guardian

The presence of buried stone-lines separating the upper profile from the clayey subsoils supports the idea of a second major erosional depositional cycle.

Geoderma

It is no surprise that Russia's idea of a second Europe centred on Moscow has little appeal to former Soviet republics.

The Economist

Labour's leadership had been resisting embracing the idea of a second referendum, having first tried to secure a general election to resolve the Brexit impasse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "idea of a second", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'second' refers to, whether it's a time frame, an opportunity, or another event. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience understands the specific 'second' being referenced. Always provide context or clarification to prevent confusion. For example, instead of just saying "the idea of a second chance", specify what the "second chance" pertains to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "idea of a second" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "idea" acts as the head noun modified by the prepositional phrase "of a second". It describes a concept or thought related to a second instance or occurrence of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "idea of a second" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a concept or thought about a second instance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the 'second' being referenced is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "concept of a second" or "possibility of a second" for nuanced alternatives. The high frequency of this phrase, along with its presence in authoritative sources, underscores its importance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concept of a second

Replaces "idea" with "concept", emphasizing a more structured or theoretical understanding.

notion of a second

Substitutes "idea" with "notion", suggesting a less defined or more speculative concept.

thought of a second

Replaces "idea" with "thought", highlighting a brief consideration or fleeting impression.

possibility of a second

Focuses on the potential for a second occurrence or instance.

prospect of a second

Emphasizes the anticipation or outlook for a second event or opportunity.

vision of a second

Uses "vision" instead of "idea", suggesting a mental image or future scenario.

impression of a second

Conveys a feeling or perception about a second instance.

dream of a second

Replaces "idea" with "dream", implying a wishful or idealistic scenario.

chance of a second

Highlights the opportunity or likelihood of a second occurrence.

hope for a second

Emphasizes the desire or expectation for a second opportunity or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "idea of a second" in a sentence?

You can use "idea of a second" when referring to possibilities, thoughts, or concepts related to a second instance or occurrence. For example, "The team dismissed the "idea of a second attempt" after the initial failure".

What phrases are similar to "idea of a second"?

Similar phrases include "concept of a second", "notion of a second", or "thought of a second". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "idea of a second" in formal writing?

Yes, "idea of a second" is generally appropriate in formal writing, but ensure the context is clear and well-defined. Consider whether a more specific term might be more precise, such as "prospect of a second review".

What's the difference between "idea of a second" and "possibility of a second"?

"Idea of a second" refers to a thought or concept, while "possibility of a second" emphasizes the chance or potential for something to happen again. The former is more abstract, while the latter is more concrete.