on the second try

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the second try" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something happened or was achieved when it was attempted for the second time. For example: "I finally got the solution right on the second try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

But on three Onity locks installed on real hotel doors he and I tested at well-known independent and franchise hotels in New York, results were much more mixed: Only one of the three opened, and even that one only worked on the second try, with Brocious taking a break to tweak his software between tests.

Forbes

A hamburger was very good -- on the second try.

The New York Times - Arts

On the second try, my given name was in error.

The New York Times - Travel

On the second try, he got Ray's wife.

The New Yorker

He was free briefly after the first attempt but did not escape on the second try.

The New York Times

She recently turned eighteen and got her license on the second try.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

No one gets it right on the first try.

Harvard Business Review

On the third try, I knocked down one pin.

The New Yorker

Taps usually register on the first try.

The New York Times - Tech

I passed on the first try.

The New York Times

On the fifth try, it did.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the second try" to clearly indicate that an action or event succeeded after an initial failure. This adds clarity and emphasizes the effort or persistence involved.

Common error

Avoid using "on a second try" or similar variations. The definite article "the" is important for specifying that it was indeed the second attempt and not just any second attempt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the second try" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or circumstances of an action. It specifies that something was achieved or occurred during the second attempt. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the second try" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an event that succeeds after an initial attempt fails. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news reporting and scientific publications to academic writing. While variations exist, such as "after a second attempt", it's crucial to maintain the correct preposition "on" and article "the" for clarity. Using "on the second try" effectively enhances writing by emphasizing persistence and eventual achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after a second attempt

Focuses on the action of attempting again, rather than the specific ordinal number.

upon the second attempt

A more formal variation using "upon" instead of "on".

at the second attempt

Uses "at" instead of "on" to indicate the attempt.

in the second instance

Replaces "try" with "instance", emphasizing a particular occurrence.

the second time around

An idiomatic expression that substitutes "try" with a more general phrase.

with the second effort

Highlights the effort involved in the second attempt.

following a retry

Uses the noun form "retry" instead of "try" as a verb.

on the subsequent attempt

Replaces "second" with "subsequent", indicating a following attempt.

at the next attempt

Uses "next" instead of "second" and broadens to the attempt that immediately follows the previous

during the second go

An informal variant using "go" to mean attempt

FAQs

How can I use "on the second try" in a sentence?

You can use "on the second try" to indicate success after an initial failure. For example: "He passed the test "on the second try"."

What are some alternatives to saying "on the second try"?

Alternatives include "after a second attempt", "upon the second attempt", or "the second time around".

Is it grammatically correct to say "in the second try" instead of "on the second try"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "on". "On the second try" is the idiomatic and grammatically correct form.

What is the difference between "on the second try" and "at the second attempt"?

While both phrases are similar, "on the second try" is more common and idiomatic. "At the second attempt" is a more formal variation.