second best thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second best thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a choice or option that is the next best option after the one that was chosen or preferred. For example, "Since I couldn't get the blue dress I wanted, I just got the second best thing, the pink one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

It must be the second best thing to being immortal.

The Economist

So stopping it at source is the best, or second best, thing you could do.

Cornell University

So I did the second best thing and married her.'" She smiles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The second best thing would be for Senator Edwards to run for re-election.

The New York Times

Moore's introduction is the second best thing about Black Panthers 1968.

The Guardian - Arts

The second best thing about NaNoWriMo (and this class) is that it comes with its own community built right in.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The second-best thing?

The Washington Post

The second-best thing about "Savion!

The New York Times - Books

But scoring is the second-best thing Kentucky does.

The New York Times - Sports

The restaurant has many draws, but the second-best thing about it is its location.

The New Yorker

Before it didn't; it was a second-best thing," she said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "second best thing" to acknowledge a compromise or a situation where the ideal outcome isn't attainable. This shows realism and adaptability.

Common error

Avoid using "second best thing" repeatedly in close proximity. Diversify your language with alternatives like "next best thing" or "acceptable alternative" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second best thing" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It identifies something as being the next most desirable option. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "second best thing" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation or option that is not ideal but still valuable or acceptable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely employed across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While it acknowledges that something isn't the absolute best, using "second best thing" helps to convey realism and adaptability. For more variety, consider alternatives like "next best thing" or "acceptable alternative", and be mindful of overuse to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next best thing

Emphasizes temporal proximity in value; what comes closest in desirability.

second-best option

Highlights that it's a choice, inferior only to the first choice.

runner-up prize

Implies a competition where this was the second-place reward.

consolation prize

Suggests the option serves as a comfort when the preferred choice isn't available.

acceptable alternative

Focuses on the adequacy and suitability of the option.

suboptimal choice

Directly indicates the selection is less than ideal.

lesser of two evils

Indicates a choice between two undesirable options, where this is the less harmful.

silver medal

Directly compares the situation to a competition where the best performer received a gold medal.

not the worst option

Emphasizes that while not ideal, the choice avoids the worst possible outcome.

second string

Analogizes the choice to a backup or substitute, typically in a sports context.

FAQs

How can I use "second best thing" in a sentence?

The phrase "second best thing" is used to describe an option or outcome that is not ideal but still satisfactory. For example, "Since we couldn't go to Italy, visiting France was the "second best thing"."

What can I say instead of "second best thing"?

You can use alternatives like "next best thing", "second best option", or "acceptable alternative" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to say something is the "second best thing"?

Not necessarily. While it acknowledges that something isn't the absolute best, it can also express appreciation for a valuable alternative or a positive compromise.

When is it appropriate to use "second best thing" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that a situation or choice is acceptable or beneficial despite not being the most desirable option. This can add nuance and realism to your writing.