it is second nature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is second nature" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a skill or behavior that has become so habitual that it feels instinctive or automatic. Example: "After years of practice, playing the piano has become second nature to her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

For the moment at least, its future remains in the hands of those to which it is second nature.

The Guardian

John Loosen has worn a prosthetic leg long enough — four decades — that it is second nature.

The New York Times

"It is second nature but it's also what I'm comfortable doing.

The Guardian - Books

It is second nature for Case not to take Gates at his word.

The Guardian - Tech

Among the Tea Party base that Mrs. Bachmann courts, it is second nature to call President Obama a "socialist".

The New York Times

"My research indicates that people, for generations, have become so accustomed to consuming that it is second nature.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It's second nature.

The New York Times - Sports

It was second nature to them.

The Guardian

It's second nature to click on".

The New York Times

It's second nature, she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"For me it was second nature to be on stage".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it is second nature", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific action or behavior has become automatic.

Common error

Avoid using "it is second nature" when describing something that is merely familiar or easy, rather than something that is deeply ingrained and automatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is second nature" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's ability or inclination to perform an action with ease and automaticity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely accepted in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

16%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is second nature" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe actions or skills that have become automatic and instinctive through repeated practice. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As demonstrated in the analyzed examples, it appears frequently in news media and academic writing, signifying its broad applicability. Alternatives like ""comes naturally"" or ""is instinctive"" offer similar meanings, though "it is second nature" often implies a developed skill rather than an inherent trait. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the action or skill that has become automatic. Overall, "it is second nature" is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for describing deeply ingrained habits and abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it comes naturally

Focuses on the ease and lack of effort involved, similar to being instinctive.

it's instinctive

Directly states the action or skill is based on instinct rather than learned behavior.

it's like riding a bike

Emphasizes how a skill, once learned, is never forgotten and requires minimal conscious effort.

it's ingrained

Highlights how deeply rooted the behavior or skill is within a person.

it's habitual

Stresses the repetitive nature of the action, making it a habit.

it's automatic

Indicates the action happens without conscious thought or effort.

it's second skin

Suggests the skill or behavior is as comfortable and natural as one's own skin.

it's just muscle memory

Highlights the physical aspect of a learned skill, where the body remembers the movements.

it's bread and butter

Implies the skill or action is a fundamental and essential part of one's routine or profession.

it's old hat

Suggests the skill or action is very familiar and not new or challenging.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is second nature" to describe something that feels automatic or instinctive because you have done it so many times. For example, "After years of coding, debugging became "it is second nature" to her".

What phrases are similar to "it is second nature"?

Similar phrases include "comes naturally", "is instinctive", or "is automatic". Each suggests a skill or behavior that requires little conscious thought.

Is it more appropriate to say "it is second nature" or "it comes naturally"?

Both "it is second nature" and "it comes naturally" are correct, but "it is second nature" implies a skill developed over time, while "it comes naturally" suggests an inherent aptitude.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "it is second nature"?

Avoid using "it is second nature" if you are describing something that is simply easy or familiar but not deeply ingrained through extensive practice or repetition. The phrase should reflect a sense of automaticity.