second instance

USAGE SUMMARY

"second instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the second time something has happened, or is happening. For example, "This is the second instance of the company experiencing a financial loss this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the second instance, we meant Niger.

The Economist

The second instance is strange but important.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the second instance, a protester curls into a ball.

The Guardian

Such anxiety is irrational and, in the second instance, racist, but it is also increasingly inevitable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Elleithee said yesterday that this second instance was not an example of a planted question.

The New York Times

This is the second instance recently in which Mr. Armey has challenged White House policy.

The New York Times

In the second instance, the gunshots were added in the studio.

The New York Times - Science

That was the second instance in which the safety agency investigated Honda's minivans for strut failures.

The New York Times

The system failure was the second instance this week of technology intruding into the markets.

The New York Times

The case represents at least the second instance of what doctors are calling "dystextia".

The New York Times

For only the second instance in 11 visits here, Stosur found herself in the third round.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "second instance", ensure there's a clear reference to a "first instance" to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "second instance" to refer to a duration of time. "Second instance" refers to a repeated event or situation, not a period of time measured in seconds. For time, use "second" or "split second".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial to specify the order or sequence of events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "second instance" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term used to denote the subsequent occurrence of an event or situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's widely accepted in written English. Its prevalence in news, scientific literature, and wiki sources highlights its neutrality and versatility. While alternatives like ""second occurrence"" or ""second time"" exist, "second instance" maintains its position as a clear and effective choice, especially when emphasizing a sequential order. Remember to always ensure that the context includes a readily identifiable "first instance" to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second occurrence

Replaces "instance" with "occurrence", emphasizing the event happening again.

second event

Simply refers to the second happening or occasion.

second time

Uses simpler language to convey the same meaning of a repeated event.

subsequent case

Substitutes "instance" with "case", focusing on a specific situation that follows another.

later example

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the example being presented after a previous one.

following example

Emphasizes the illustrative nature of the second occurrence.

second illustration

Indicates that the second item is being used to clarify or explain something.

next situation

Highlights the sequential nature of the event, focusing on the circumstance.

repeated situation

Highlights that the situation has occurred more than once.

second demonstration

Indicates a second showing or exhibition of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "second instance" to refer to the second occurrence of something. For example, "This is the "second instance" this week that the system has failed".

What's a good alternative to "second instance"?

Alternatives to "second instance" include "second occurrence", "second time", or "subsequent case", depending on the specific context.

Is "second instance" formal or informal?

"Second instance" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "second instance" and "first instance"?

"First instance" refers to the initial occurrence of something, while "second instance" refers to the occurrence immediately following the first.