of second nature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of second nature" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is so familiar or practiced that it feels instinctive or automatic. Example: "After years of practice, playing the piano has become of second nature to her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

From an early age, it was kind of second nature to me to be able to say, "We need to accomplish this today, this tomorrow".

The New York Times

What the person is supposed to do is really overlearn until it becomes sort of second nature, so that when the person is in a fearful situation, the fear will promote them doing this overlearned behavior.

The Washington Post

And although the next generation of American artists, notably Robert Rauschenberg, reacted against the "nature painters" with work that saw the spectacle of the mediated world itself as a form of second nature, they knew that the stage on which they stood had been created by the abstract expressionist painters.

The Guardian - Arts

The development of second nature is precisely the realization of this potential.

SEP

A critical ingredient in McDowell's project, however, is the idea of second nature.

SEP

You can't just decide to stay here and say 'I'll be happy here whatever happens.' It's kind of second nature here to want to build a company that brings value and positive impact".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In the chiliastic thought, the evolutionary impulse is also modified by the artificial realities of the second nature of man.

European Journal of Futures Research

That habit became so much of a second nature that I found it very difficult to get rid of again in later years.

Harvard University

Soon, you are sucked into it so much that it is now a part of your second nature.

Huffington Post

The more you do this the more of a "Second nature response" you will create.

WikiHow

Because of this intense drilling, the sense of directions becomes second nature.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of second nature" to describe skills or behaviors that have become automatic through repetition or experience. It's most effective when emphasizing how easily someone performs a task.

Common error

Avoid using "of second nature" when describing a skill or action that is still being learned. The phrase implies mastery and ease, which are not applicable during the initial learning process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of second nature" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating that something has become automatic or instinctive through practice or habit. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase suggests a high level of familiarity and ease with a particular action or skill.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of second nature" is used to describe something that has become automatic or instinctive through repeated practice. Ludwig's analysis confirms that while grammatically sound, the shorter form "second nature" is more common. The phrase is suitable for neutral to professional contexts, often appearing in news, science, and business-related content. To avoid misusing the phrase, ensure that the skill or action described is truly mastered and performed with ease, rather than still being in the initial stages of learning. Remember that this expression implies mastery and ease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second nature

Omission of the preposition "of".

comes naturally

Highlights ease and inherent ability.

like riding a bike

Uses a simile to indicate something easily remembered or done automatically.

deeply ingrained

Focuses on the quality of being firmly established.

habitual

Emphasizes the routine aspect.

automatic

Highlights the lack of conscious effort involved.

instinctive

Stresses the innate quality.

natural

Implies an inherent or inborn quality.

effortless

Underlines the lack of difficulty.

second-hand

Describes knowledge and habits gained from others.

FAQs

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

When something is described as "of second nature", it means it has become automatic or instinctive through practice or habit. It's something someone does without thinking.

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

You can use "of second nature" to describe a skill or behavior that has become automatic. For example, "After years of coding, debugging is "second nature" to her".

What are some alternatives to "of second nature"?

Alternatives to "of second nature" include "instinctive", "automatic", "habitual", or "comes naturally" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "second nature" instead of "of second nature"?

While "of second nature" is grammatically correct, ""second nature"" is the more common and widely accepted form. Both convey the same meaning, but "second nature" is generally preferred.