second attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'second attempt' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone is trying something again after failing the first time. For example: "After her first attempt at the recipe failed, she decided to try again, making a second attempt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carrasso saved his second attempt.

The New York Times - Sports

Their second attempt was more promising.

The New Yorker

A second attempt was even "scarier.

The New York Times

This was Khalid's second attempt.

The New York Times - Magazine

On the second attempt I had seventy-seven.

The New Yorker

She was successful on her second attempt.

The Guardian - Sport

His second attempt hit the woodwork.

The Guardian - Sport

This was only her second attempt.

The New York Times - Travel

They were successful on a second attempt.

The Guardian

From Scholes, at the second attempt.

The Guardian - Sport

Our second attempt was on Blue Peter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process with multiple stages, "second attempt" can be used to highlight improvements or changes made since the initial try.

Common error

Avoid using "second attempt" interchangeably with phrases like "another try" in formal contexts. While both indicate repeated efforts, "second attempt" carries a slightly more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second attempt" functions primarily as a noun phrase that often acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It typically refers to a repeated effort or action following an initial try, as Ludwig examples confirm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "second attempt" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a repeated effort, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register applicable across various writing styles. Alternatives like "another try" or "repeated effort" offer stylistic variations. Remember to use "second attempt" to clearly indicate a follow-up effort after an initial try, enhancing clarity and avoiding ambiguity. While versatile, be mindful of the slight formality difference between "second attempt" and more casual synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second go

An informal alternative to "second attempt", implying a casual approach.

another try

A more informal way of saying "second attempt", suitable for casual contexts.

retry

A concise way of saying "second attempt", often used in technical or gaming contexts.

further attempt

Similar to "second attempt" but can imply more than one previous effort.

another shot

Suggests a chance or opportunity to try again.

repeated effort

Focuses on the iterative nature of the action, emphasizing the effort involved.

follow-up attempt

Highlights that the "second attempt" is directly related to and follows a prior one.

subsequent attempt

A more formal synonym, indicating an attempt that comes after another.

renewed effort

Emphasizes a fresh start and increased determination in the "second attempt".

retrial

Specifically refers to a "second attempt" in a formal or legal context.

FAQs

How to use "second attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "second attempt" to describe a repeated effort after an initial failure. For example, "The project succeeded on its "second attempt" after significant revisions".

What can I say instead of "second attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "another try", "repeated effort", or "subsequent attempt" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "second attempt" or "another attempt"?

Both "second attempt" and "another attempt" are correct, but "second attempt" specifically implies it's the immediate next try after the first, whereas "another attempt" could refer to any subsequent try.

What's the difference between "second attempt" and "second try"?

"Second attempt" and "second try" are largely interchangeable. "Second attempt" is slightly more formal, while "second try" is more casual.