on the second take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the second take" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation where something is done again, often with the implication that the second attempt is an improvement over the first. Example: "The actor nailed the scene perfectly on the second take, much to the director's relief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Maybe I will on the second take".

The Guardian - Music

On the second take, to everyone's surprise, it worked perfectly.

The New Yorker

On the second take, she pretended to slip.

The Guardian - Film

He decides this is perhaps the right reaction and on the second take tries this.

The New Yorker

"On the second take, the Soviet goalie deflected a hell of a shot.

The New York Times - Sports

He got it on the second take - spot-on timing, silky paternal vocal quality, and utterly persuasive.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When we needed one to growl it would usually just do it on the first take.

The Guardian - Film

On the sixth take, Coogan's exasperation—"I take one hundred per cent!"—set David wheezing like a tire deflating.

The New Yorker

There's just something about when chords come together and when doubling parts come together and one's a little louder than the other, a little more energy on the first take than on the second.

Huffington Post

We got her on the first take.

The New Yorker

On the seventh take, Coogan nailed it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the second take" when describing a repeated attempt to capture a performance, recording, or shot successfully. It implies a learning curve or adjustment from the initial try.

Common error

Avoid using "on the second take" when you simply mean a second opportunity or chance. "Take" implies a specific attempt within a performance or recording context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the second take" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying when an action occurred. It is commonly used in contexts where there are multiple attempts to record or perform something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

13%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the second take" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial, used to specify when an action occurs during a second attempt. It is grammatically correct and best suited for describing scenarios involving repeated efforts in media production or performance. While the phrase isn't extremely common, as per Ludwig, its usage is generally neutral. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Remember to use it when you mean a specific attempt, and not just a general second opportunity. Alternatives include "during the second attempt" or "in the second try".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the second attempt

Replaces "take" with the more formal "attempt".

at the second attempt

Slightly more formal than the original phrase.

in the second try

Uses the more casual "try" instead of "take".

after the second run-through

Common in performance or rehearsal settings.

during the second go

Uses the informal "go" in place of "take".

upon the second repetition

Emphasizes the act of repeating the action.

for the second shot

Emphasizes the opportunity to try again.

with the second iteration

Uses "iteration" to suggest a process of refinement.

on the repeat performance

Highlights the aspect of a live performance being redone.

in the subsequent effort

More formal and emphasizes continued exertion.

FAQs

What does "on the second take" mean?

It refers to the second attempt to record a scene, song, or performance, often implying an improvement or correction from the first attempt.

When is it appropriate to use "on the second take"?

It's appropriate when discussing the process of creating media, such as filming movies or recording music, where multiple attempts are common.

Are there any alternatives to saying "on the second take"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "during the second attempt" or "in the second try" depending on the context.

Is "on the second take" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral, suitable for both informal and formal contexts when discussing media production. Alternatives like "during the second attempt" lean slightly more formal.