second the motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second the motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express agreement to a motion that has been proposed by another person. For example, "John proposed we go on a picnic this weekend, and I second the motion".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The dogs second the motion.

The New York Times

Did anybody second the motion?

The New York Times

Steinbrenner wasn't around to second the motion.

The New York Times - Sports

HENDRIK HERTZBERG: I second the motion.

The New Yorker

All I did was second the motion".

The New York Times

Fellow lawmaker Don Randal agreed to second the motion.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

MOTION for Chairperson to third the motion by representative of Thailand.

The New Yorker

The historian seconded the motion.

The New York Times - Arts

First, the motion which Alexander is defending explicity attacks the Conservatives.

The Guardian

Fuzzy Julie seconded the motion, and it passed in a unanimous vote.

The New Yorker

A motion was made by Professor A. George to call the meeting and Professor E. Garcia seconded the motion.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "second the motion" in formal meetings or debates when you want to express your agreement with a proposed action or decision. It's a clear and concise way to show support.

Common error

Avoid using "second the motion" in informal conversations. It can sound overly formal or even humorous in casual settings. Opt for simpler expressions of agreement like "I agree" or "Sounds good".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second the motion" functions as a procedural expression in formal meetings, indicating formal agreement with a proposed action. It is typically used after a motion has been made, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "second the motion" is a formal expression used to indicate agreement with a proposal, primarily in meetings and debates. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to formally endorse a motion. While not as frequent as simpler forms of agreement, it is common in News & Media sources. It's important to reserve "second the motion" for formal contexts to avoid sounding out of place in casual conversations. Related phrases like "support the motion" or "endorse the motion" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second the proposal

Replaces "motion" with "proposal", changing the noun but maintaining the meaning.

support the motion

Focuses on providing general support to the proposal.

I second that

A shorter, more colloquial version of expressing agreement.

endorse the motion

Emphasizes a formal approval and backing of the motion.

I support that motion

A more explicit statement of support.

back the motion

Offers a more informal way to show agreement and support.

approve the motion

Highlights the act of officially agreeing to the motion.

adopt the motion

Implies taking up and implementing the motion.

uphold the motion

Suggests maintaining or defending the motion.

ratify the motion

Indicates a formal confirmation or sanctioning of the motion.

FAQs

How to use "second the motion" in a sentence?

You can use "second the motion" to formally agree with a proposal in a meeting. For example, "I "second the motion" to approve the budget."

What can I say instead of "second the motion"?

You can use alternatives like "support the motion", "endorse the motion", or simply "I agree" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "second the motion" or "second to the motion"?

"Second the motion" is the correct phrase. "Second to the motion" is not grammatically correct in this context.

What's the difference between "second the motion" and "support the motion"?

"Second the motion" is a specific, formal term used in meetings, while "support the motion" is a more general expression of agreement that can be used in various contexts.