second half

USAGE SUMMARY

"second half" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a single entity that is made up of two parts, such as a soccer game or a book. For example, "In the second half of the book the main character finds out who the killer is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was the second time in seven months that Hill has come close to the death chamber: last July he was spared by just 90 minutes and the experience was repeated on Tuesday night with just 30 minutes to go.

The Guardian

In addition, the Committee intends to purchase a further $600 billion of longer-term Treasury securities by the end of the second quarter of 2011, a pace of about $75 billion per month.

The New York Times

His record - two cups within six months of his appointment, a domestic treble in his first full season, a second title in 2005 and reaching the last 16 of the Champions League - set the context for a rueful but masterfully understated parting comment: "I'm sure those people who look at the facts will say that during a period of downsizing, I was reasonably successful".

The Guardian - Sport

When Liberal Democrat thoughts do turn to a new leader after the next general election, Chris Huhne, who finished second to Campbell in this year's contest, or a representative of he younger generation like Nick Clegg will inherit his crown.

The Guardian - Opinion

This picturesque small town is decked out in red, white and blue bunting, celebrating the fact that for the second time in 12 years it is hosting a vice-presidential debate.

The Guardian

It all stems from a decision made almost half a century ago by the Some Like It Hot star's legal representatives in the wake of her 1962 death.

The Guardian - Film

In the following year the town's population of about 4,000 dropped by nearly half, and as businesses and supermarkets closed, Qantas cut its services, and houses were left empty, the exodus began to take a toll on the mental health of those who stayed behind.

The Guardian

The TNS poll gives the SNP a 10-point lead over Scottish Labour among those certain to vote, at 41% against 31%, putting nearly half of the 41 Westminster seats won by Scottish Labour in 2010 at risk.

The Guardian

His party has taken a pasting over the past five years for its participation in the coalition and looks set to lose at least half of its seats.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ah, the beauty about Christmas is that stories - already rebutted - can get a second life after the holiday season.

The Guardian - Tech

Forbes ranks it as the second-largest private company in the country, after Cargill, and its consistent profitability has made David and Charles Koch—who, years ago, bought out two other brothers—among the richest men in America.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing time-based events like sports games, "second half" clearly delineates the latter portion of the game following the intermission. For clarity, specify the context (e.g., "second half of the game", "second half of the year").

Common error

Avoid using "second half" when referring to something that isn't clearly divided into two parts. Ensure there is a distinct 'first half' for the term to be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second half" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific portion of a whole, typically in contexts where something is divided into two segments. As noted by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Sport

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "second half" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively denotes the latter portion of something divided into two parts, particularly in sports, finance, and general discussions. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure a clear division into two parts for appropriate usage. Alternatives like "latter half" and "last half" offer similar meanings, and the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

latter half

Focuses on the latter portion of something, similar to "second half" but slightly more formal.

last half

Emphasizes the final portion, closely related to "second half" when referring to two distinct parts.

second portion

A more general term indicating the second part of something divided into portions.

final stage

Implies the concluding phase of a process or event, broader than "second half".

closing section

Refers to the concluding part of a document or presentation, similar in concept but specific to written or presented material.

latter stage

Similar to "final stage", indicating a later point in time or a process.

second phase

Specifically denotes the second part of a multi-stage process or project.

subsequent period

A more formal way to refer to the time following an initial period.

second semester

Specifically used in an academic context to refer to the second half of a school year.

final segment

Refers to the last part of a sequence or series, applicable in various contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "second half" in a sentence?

You can use "second half" to refer to the latter part of something that is divided into two parts, such as a sports game or a year. For example, "The team played much better in the second half of the game."

What is a good alternative to "second half"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "latter half" or "last half" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "second half" or "other half"?

Both "second half" and "other half" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Second half" refers specifically to the latter portion of something divided into two parts, while "other half" refers to the remaining portion.

What's the difference between "second half" and "last part"?

"Second half" implies a division into two equal or distinct parts, whereas "last part" can refer to the end section of something that is not necessarily divided into two halves.