in the second instance

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the second instance" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate an additional or alternative course of action after the first one has been unsuccessful or inadequate. For example: "We tried to solve the problem ourselves, but in the second instance we had to call in a professional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the second instance, we meant Niger.

The Economist

In the second instance, a protester curls into a ball.

The Guardian

Such anxiety is irrational and, in the second instance, racist, but it is also increasingly inevitable.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the second instance, the gunshots were added in the studio.

The New York Times - Science

In the second instance, a hoax caller claiming to be the GCHQ director was connected to the prime minister".

The Guardian

An earlier version misdescribed Gerry Mulligan as a trombonist and misspelled Dizzy as Dizzie in the second instance.

The Guardian - Film

Although exonerated in the second instance – he was found not to have influenced a passport application decision.

Independent

Meredith's heedless actions once again precipitate a disastrous event, but in the second instance this is more deus ex machina than the organic product of what's come before.

The New Yorker

The $252 million man slipped and fell in the first instance, then fell on his face in the second instance when a cleat on his right shoe got caught in the shoelace of his left shoe.

The New York Times - Sports

In the second instance, my client was an 87-year-old woman, a Cornell University graduate once fluent in five languages whose husband had died and who had no children.

The New York Times

In the second instance, the inability of the country's small domestic market to absorb the total output of a skilled and efficient population forced Switzerland to seek world markets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the second instance" to clearly delineate a second step, scenario, or example following a first one. This is particularly useful in explanations, arguments, or instructions where clarity in sequencing is important.

Common error

Avoid overusing "in the second instance" when simpler alternatives like "secondly" or "subsequently" would suffice. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone and complexity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the second instance" functions as an adverbial phrase that introduces a subsequent point, action, or situation. It indicates a sequence or order of events, typically following a previously mentioned first instance. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the second instance" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to introduce a subsequent point or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and usable in English. Its primary function is to provide structure and clarity, making it suitable for formal contexts like news articles, scientific papers, and encyclopedic entries. While versatile, consider simpler alternatives like "secondly" when appropriate. This phrase frequently appears in News & Media and Science sources, signifying its wide acceptance in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the second case

This alternative more directly parallels "in the first case", maintaining a similar structure.

subsequently

This is a single-word adverb that succinctly indicates what follows the initial event.

thereafter

Similar to "subsequently", this term emphasizes a chronological sequence.

following that

Highlights the immediate succession of the second event after the first.

afterward

A more concise way to say "after that", implying a temporal relationship.

secondly

A simple sequential marker, suitable for numbered lists or arguments.

in turn

Suggests that the second event is a direct consequence or reaction to the first.

on the other hand

Used when contrasting the second scenario with the first.

next

A basic term to indicate sequence; generally used in more informal contexts.

by contrast

Highlights a difference or opposition between the first and second instances.

FAQs

How can I use "in the second instance" in a sentence?

Use "in the second instance" to introduce a second action, event, or example following a first one. For example, "First, we analyzed the data; "in the second instance", we developed a predictive model."

What are some alternatives to "in the second instance"?

You can use alternatives such as "secondly", "subsequently", or "in the second case" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "in the second instance" instead of "secondly"?

"In the second instance" is suitable when you're contrasting scenarios or providing a detailed sequence, while "secondly" is better for simple enumeration.

Is "in the second instance" more formal than other alternatives?

Yes, "in the second instance" generally carries a more formal tone compared to alternatives like "next" or "afterward", making it suitable for academic or professional writing.