on second hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on second hand" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to information or knowledge that one has obtained from someone else, rather than from one's own direct experience. For example, "I heard from a colleague that our company may be restructuring, but I'm not sure - I heard it on second hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The fourth came from a trusted source who was also passing on second hand information.

The New York Times

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of adiponectin deficiency on second hand smoke-induced cardiac pathology and underlying mechanisms using a mouse model of side-stream smoke exposure.

Pharmacological Research

Spent 4+ hours finding this dress on second hand sites so that @aliwong would notice me.

Huffington Post

Raychaudhuri responded to Ramakrishnan's email requesting "not to form opinions based on second hand sources".

Vice

You would have had to witness the threat as opposed to jumping to conclusions based on second hand information.

Huffington Post

Supported by the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute FAMRI and UCSF Bland Lane Centerer of Excellence on Second Hand Smoke.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

So clothing is a bad money, since no one places the same value on second-hand clothes as new ones.

The Economist

So, even if your car never runs on second-hand solar energy, one day your laptop might.

The Economist

In one case, a Book of the Dead was written on second-hand papyrus.

Wikipedia

No one knew exactly how the king had died – contemporary accounts relied on second-hand testimony and were mostly written by foreigners – which just added to the enigma.

The Guardian

Short talk on second-hand book stores.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to information, clarify the reliability of the "on second hand" source. Acknowledge potential biases or inaccuracies inherent in indirect information.

Common error

Don't assume that information received "on second hand" is automatically accurate. Always cross-reference with reliable sources to confirm its validity before making decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on second hand" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the source or manner of information acquisition. Ludwig confirms that it denotes indirect receipt of information or goods.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on second hand" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating that something was obtained indirectly. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It's most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, signifying a neutral register. When using "on second hand", ensure to verify the information's accuracy and acknowledge potential biases from the indirect source. Consider using alternatives such as "indirectly" or "based on hearsay" depending on your intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secondhand

One-word variant of the query

not firsthand

Directly contrasts with direct experience or knowledge.

from secondary sources

Indicates reliance on materials that interpret or analyze original sources.

indirectly

Focuses on the mode of transmission of information rather than the source's reliability.

through a third party

Highlights the involvement of another person or entity.

from an intermediary source

Emphasizes the presence of an intermediate entity in the information flow.

based on hearsay

Highlights the unverified and potentially unreliable nature of the information.

via someone else

Similar to 'through a third party' but more informal.

used

A simple and direct term for items that are not new.

pre-owned

Specifically refers to items that have been owned by someone else before.

FAQs

How can I use "on second hand" in a sentence?

You can use "on second hand" to indicate that you received information indirectly. For example, "I heard about the company's new policy "on second hand", so I'm not sure if it's entirely accurate."

What does "on second hand" mean?

"On second hand" means that the information or item was received indirectly, not directly from the original source or owner.

Is it better to get information directly or "on second hand"?

Getting information directly is generally better because it reduces the risk of distortion or inaccuracy. However, sometimes information "on second hand" is the only option available.

What are some situations where I might rely on information "on second hand"?

You might rely on information "on second hand" when you cannot access the original source, when the original source is unavailable, or when you need a summary or interpretation of complex information.