on the third time

USAGE SUMMARY

“on the third time” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the third time something has happened, or the third time an event occurs. For example, "After trying to explain the concept two times, I finally succeeded on the third time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

On the third time, the man responded, "Just go call the police," she said.

The New York Times

On the third time of asking, the poor PA came staggering through, bleary-eyed and disoriented.

The Guardian

On the third time of asking, he responded: "I am Adolf Eichmann.

The Guardian

At the far field, the acoustic pressure is linearly dependent on the third time derivatives of the vortex positions.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Next, self-pleasure up to that same point again - twice - and on the third time allow yourself to climax.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Finally, on the third time of asking, he puts a volley away... but it was this close to going out.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

One phone had been switched on for the first time, on 9 April.

The Guardian

She assumed the office on 12 January 2014 for the third time.

Huffington Post

Peter Nelson, 56, recently signed on for the first time.

The Guardian - Business

He turns it on for the first time, and bam!

TechCrunch

In December, it was switched on for the first time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "for the third occasion" or "at the third attempt" to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "on the third time" with future tense verbs. It is more appropriate to use it when referring to past events or actions that have already occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the third time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating when an action occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used. The examples show its use in various sentences to specify the timing of an event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the third time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for specifying that an action or event occurred during its third iteration. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register appropriate for various writing styles. Alternative phrasings like "for the third occasion" offer subtle variations, while remembering to use the correct tense ensures accuracy. In conclusion, understanding the correct usage of "on the third time" enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the third time around

Adds "around" for emphasis, common in informal speech.

for the third occasion

Replaces "time" with "occasion", slightly formalizing the phrase.

on the third instance

Substitutes "time" with "instance", providing a more specific emphasis on a particular occurrence.

at the third attempt

Focuses specifically on attempts or tries, rather than general occurrences.

after three tries

Simplifies the structure to emphasize the number of attempts made.

by the third repetition

Highlights the repetitive aspect of the event.

on its third iteration

Uses "iteration" to stress a cycle or version.

for the third go-around

Employs an informal, conversational tone.

in the third act

Metaphorically uses "act" to refer to a stage or part of a process.

at the third juncture

Replaces "time" with juncture, implying a critical point in the sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "on the third time" in a sentence?

You can use "on the third time" to indicate something happened during the third attempt or occurrence of an event. For example, "On the third time I tried, I finally succeeded".

What's a more formal alternative to "on the third time"?

A more formal alternative to "on the third time" is "on the third occasion". This maintains the meaning while elevating the tone of your writing.

Is it correct to say "in the third time" instead of "on the third time"?

No, "in the third time" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use is "on", as in "on the third time".

What are some other ways to express the same idea as "on the third time"?

Other ways to express the same idea include "at the third attempt", "after three tries", or "by the third repetition", depending on the specific context.