second most frequent

USAGE SUMMARY

"second most frequent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that occurs less often than the most frequent occurrence, but more often than any other occurrence. For example, you could say: "The second most frequent comment from customers was about the long wait times."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The one factor most frequently quoted was fever; the second most frequent answer was hypotension.

Critical Care

Lung is the second most frequent site of metastases.

Insights into Imaging

Size difference between the most and second most frequent alleles.

Rice

Relational processes are the second most frequent process type.

Functional Linguistics

The second most frequent error is dropping the wrong name.

Forbes

Myxoid liposarcoma (M-LPS) is the second most frequent subtype of liposarcoma.

European Journal of Radiology

Papillary tumors represent the second most frequent subtype of renal tumors following renal clear cell carcinoma.

Pathologie Tumorale Rénale Diagnostic et pronostic anatomopathologique et moléculaire des tumeurs rénales

Megacolon is the second most frequent and most important digestive manifestation of Chagas' disease.

Pathophysiology

Anterior segment of the globe is the second most frequent location after the posterior one [1].

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

The second most frequent second malignant neoplasms have been soft-tissue sarcomas [3].

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Macular scar was the second most frequent complication and was observed in five eyes (15.6%).

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For increased precision in technical writing, accompany "second most frequent" with specific numerical data or percentages to quantify the difference between the first and second most frequent occurrences.

Common error

A common mistake is using "second most frequent" without clearly defining what is being measured. Always provide the necessary context to ensure your audience understands what you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second most frequent" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates the item or event that occurs with the second-highest frequency within a given set or category. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

88%

News & Media

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "second most frequent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly within scientific and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively denotes the item or event that ranks second in terms of frequency. The phrase serves to provide quantitative information and emphasize secondary trends. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context of what is being measured is well-defined. While alternatives like "next most common" exist, "second most frequent" remains a precise and widely accepted choice for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next most common

This alternative focuses on the commonality aspect, highlighting the item that appears after the most common one.

second highest incidence

This emphasizes the rate of occurrence, particularly suitable in statistical or scientific contexts.

runner-up in frequency

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate the item that is just below the most frequent one in terms of occurrence.

second greatest occurrence

Focuses on the act of happening or appearing, indicating it is the second most.

second leading cause

Highlights causality and ranking, often used when discussing reasons or factors.

subsequent most frequent

Implies a following order in frequency, slightly more formal in tone.

secondarily frequent

A more concise way of saying "second most frequent", although less commonly used.

next in prevalence

This highlights the item that exist the most after the most prevalent.

second maximum frequency

More technical and mathematically oriented, suitable for contexts involving data analysis.

not as frequent as the first

Indirect way of denoting frequency, by showing what's less frequent than the most frequent.

FAQs

How can I use "second most frequent" in a sentence?

You can use "second most frequent" to describe something that occurs less often than the most frequent occurrence but more often than any other. For example: "The second most frequent reason for complaints was poor customer service."

What are some alternatives to "second most frequent"?

You can use alternatives like "next most common", "second highest incidence", or "runner-up in frequency" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to mention the "most frequent" item when discussing the "second most frequent"?

While not always necessary, mentioning the "most frequent" item can provide useful context and comparison, helping your audience better understand the relative importance of the "second most frequent" item.

What's the difference between "second most frequent" and "second most common"?

While very similar, "second most frequent" emphasizes the number of occurrences, whereas "second most common" emphasizes general prevalence. They are often interchangeable, but "frequent" is better suited for counted instances, while "common" is better for general presence.