is second nature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second nature" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that has become so easy for someone to do that it feels as though it has become a natural part of their instinct. For example, you can say, "For my Grandma, baking pies is second nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Driving is second nature".

The New York Times

Fury is second nature.

The Guardian - Books

In Cuba partying is second nature.

The Guardian - Travel

Now sourcing sustainably is second nature.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Batting them away is second nature.

The New York Times

For some, social media is second nature now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cusk emerges as someone for whom resistance is second nature.

The Guardian - Books

This, of course, is second nature to Cook.

The Guardian - Sport

FOR Cyrus Mehri, challenging the status quo is second nature.

The New York Times

So he did what for him is second nature.

The New York Times

"Lying is second nature to him," Schwartz said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is second nature" to describe skills or behaviors that have become effortless and automatic through practice or experience. It implies a high level of proficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "is second nature" when describing something that is merely familiar or comfortable. The phrase implies a level of mastery that goes beyond simple familiarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is second nature" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun to describe something that has become automatic or effortless through practice or experience. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples illustrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is second nature" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that has become effortless through practice or experience. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the phrase. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts with a neutral register, and suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using the phrase, remember to emphasize the high level of proficiency and automaticity associated with the described action or skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comes naturally

Focuses on the inherent ease and lack of effort involved.

is instinctive

Highlights the innate and automatic nature of the action.

is automatic

Emphasizes the effortless and unconscious execution of the action.

is like riding a bike

Compares the action to a skill that is never forgotten, even after a long period of disuse.

is second skin

Indicates that the action has become an integral and inseparable part of someone's behavior.

is ingrained

Stresses the deep-rooted and firmly established nature of the behavior.

is habitual

Focuses on the repetitive and routine nature of the action.

is a reflex

Highlights the immediate and involuntary response.

is bread and butter

Indicates that the skill is a fundamental and essential part of someone's profession or livelihood.

is in one's blood

Suggests that the action is a deeply inherited or intrinsic part of someone's character.

FAQs

How can I use "is second nature" in a sentence?

You can use "is second nature" to describe skills or behaviors that have become effortless and automatic through practice or long experience. For instance, "After years of coding, programming "is second nature" to her."

What are some alternatives to saying "is second nature"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "is second nature" with alternatives such as "comes naturally", "is instinctive", or "is automatic".

Is it appropriate to use "is second nature" in formal writing?

Yes, "is second nature" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its meaning is widely understood, and it does not carry any negative connotations.

What's the difference between "is second nature" and "is first nature"?

"Is second nature" refers to something that has become automatic through practice or experience, while "is first nature" refers to something that is innate or inherent. The former is learned, the latter is inherent.