like second nature

USAGE SUMMARY

"like second nature" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action that is so familiar to someone that they can complete it without much thought. For example: "Preparing meals for a crowd has become like second nature to her after years of catering events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In cases like media, it really feels like second nature, providing a natural new way of interacting with content.

TechCrunch

When the networking mode feels like second nature, this frees you up to be more natural and to focus on what you want to get out of the occasion instead of worrying about how you're coming across or going plain blank from terror.

WikiHow

But it became like second nature.

The New York Times

It's like second nature to everyone".

The Guardian

"You have to develop a move that's like second nature".

The New York Times - Sports

Hands-free driving should seem like second nature to them: they've been doing it all along.

The New Yorker

New friends are made, routines established, and city life begins to feel like second nature.

The New York Times

"By the time I left, it was like second nature," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He does it all the time, so it's like second nature.

The New York Times - Sports

"The nice thing is, because we have worked together so long, it does become like second nature," Ms. Spencer said.

The New York Times

As she progressed in her training, the social behaviors she was learning became more like second nature to her.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like second nature" to describe actions or skills that have become automatic and require little conscious thought. For example, "After years of practice, playing the piano became like second nature."

Common error

While "like second nature" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise language when describing complex processes or specialized skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like second nature" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun by indicating a quality or state of being. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like second nature" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that has become easy and automatic through practice or familiarity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While widely used, especially in news and media, it's advisable to consider context, avoiding overuse in highly formal academic or scientific writing. The phrase functions as a predicate adjective and is best suited for conveying ease and automaticity. Synonyms include ""effortless"", "instinctive", and "automatic". Remember, it is more appropriate for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

natural

This alternative highlights the inherent or intuitive quality of the action.

effortless

This alternative focuses on the lack of effort required.

instinctive

This alternative suggests that the action is driven by instinct rather than learning.

automatic

This alternative emphasizes the unconscious or reflexive nature of the action.

ingrained

This alternative implies that the action has become deeply embedded in one's behavior.

second skin

This alternative uses a metaphor to express how comfortable and familiar something has become.

well-practiced

This alternative highlights the role of practice and repetition in achieving fluency.

deep-rooted habit

This alternative stresses the habitual aspect, suggesting something ingrained over time.

a breeze

This alternative is also an idiom suggesting ease and lack of difficulty.

easy as pie

This alternative is an idiom that is more informal but still conveys the idea of being easy.

FAQs

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

Use "like second nature" to describe something that has become very easy and automatic through practice or repetition. For instance, "For experienced programmers, debugging code is "like second nature"".

What does it mean when something is "like second nature"?

It means the activity or skill has become so familiar that you do it almost without thinking. It's automatic and easy, "effortless" because of repeated practice.

Are there any synonyms for "like second nature"?

Yes, you can use phrases such as "second skin", "instinctive", or "automatic" depending on the specific context. They all imply ease and familiarity.

Is it appropriate to use "like second nature" in academic writing?

While acceptable, it's better suited for less formal academic contexts. In highly formal papers, consider more precise alternatives that convey the same meaning, avoiding colloquialisms.