second mention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second mention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you refer to something that has already been mentioned once before, often in writing or speech. Example: "In the second mention of the character, we learn more about their background and motivations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Her second mention of Obama was relatively positive.

The New Yorker

But a second mention was met with silence.

The New York Times

The second mention is from the portion of Article I, Section 5 that I quoted above.

The New Yorker

Some examples: Andrew Adonis (first mention), Lord Adonis (second mention), Adonis (thereafter).

The Guardian

Haney hung up somewhere between the first and second mention of scum.

The New Yorker

Also, because of an editing error, an earlier version referred to Fan Bingbing as Bingbing at second mention.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Most patients required no more than a ten-second mention.

The New Yorker

Gov. Frank L. O'Bannon, a Democrat, surprised everyone this month by endorsing this political hot potato with a split-second mention in his State of the State address.

The New York Times

First mention May 23 , 1972

The New York Times - Arts

That was the first mention of them.

The New Yorker

Documents first mention the city in 1240.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "second mention" to clearly signal that you are referring back to something already introduced. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "second mention" unnecessarily when a simple pronoun or synonym would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and clunky.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second mention" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific occurrence where something is referred to for the second time. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts to track references within a text or conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "second mention" is a common phrase used to indicate that something has been referred to for the second time. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news media and general writing. While simpler alternatives like "later mention" exist, "second mention" offers clarity and precision. When writing, ensure to use the phrase deliberately to avoid redundancy, focusing on clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

later mention

This phrase is simpler and more direct, indicating a mention that occurs at a later point.

subsequent reference

This term is a more formal and general way to refer to a later mention.

second instance

This highlights the occurrence as a repeated event, applicable in various contexts.

aforementioned reference

This phrase implies that the reference was made previously in the same text or discussion.

previous citation

This phrase is more specific to written works, where information is formally cited.

repeated assertion

This suggests that a claim or statement is being made again.

recurring theme

This emphasizes a concept that appears repeatedly and significantly.

follow-up statement

This emphasizes that something is mentioned immediately after

further elaboration

Focus on giving more details after something was already mentioned

echoed sentiment

This emphasizes that something is mentioned with some level of aggreement and consent

FAQs

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

You can use "second mention" to refer back to something previously introduced, for example: "The author's "first book" was a success; the "second mention" solidified their reputation."

What's a formal alternative to "second mention"?

A more formal alternative to "second mention" is "subsequent reference", which is suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Is it necessary to always use "second mention" when referring to something again?

No, using "second mention" is not always necessary. You can often use pronouns or synonyms for conciseness, especially if the context is clear.

What's the difference between "first mention" and "second mention"?

"First mention" refers to the initial introduction of a topic or item, while "second mention" indicates that it has been referred to once before and you are referring again.