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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
second time's the charm
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
Gmail App for iOS in the App Store (Again) Official Google Mobile Blog | Second Time's the charm.
News & Media
Second time's the charm and it works out — but you can't help but feel something's going to come of that panicked miscalculation.
News & Media
Ultimately, moviegoers balked at paying $20 for a 30-minute virtual reality experience, but Fox is hoping that the second time's the charm.
News & Media
Doers and doings in business, entertainment and technology: Second time's the charm: Tyco International's ex-chief financial officer Mark Swartz Mark Swartz –already indicted for his alleged part in bilking some $600 million from the company, under the tutelage of ex-Chief Executive Dennis Kozlowski Dennis Kozlowski – was indicted yet again on Wednesday.
News & Media
But maybe the second time's the charm, Walter? .
News & Media
Maybe the second time's the charm, or not".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
At a third-time's-the-charm (one hopes) wedding, it's also a nice way to participate without feeling awkward about bringing or not bringing a gift.
News & Media
We end, perched indefinitely on this third-time's-the-charm bridal gown cliffhanger.
News & Media
Not to prematurely age Bee, Jones or "Angie Tribeca" star Rashida Jones, but in a small way it represents a bid for younger eyes: Justin and Jordan Shipley, the series' first-time's-the-charm creators are in their mid-20s, as are the preponderance of their main characters.
News & Media
FRANK LITSKY FOURTH TIME'S THE CHARM In the women's 20-kilometer walk, which started Sunday's final-day program of 11 finals, the winner was Joanne Dow of Manchester, N.H.
News & Media
For Mr. Page, the third time's the charm: he's using the Kahn version.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "second time's the charm" when you want to express optimism that a second attempt at something will be successful, especially after an initial failure. It's often used in informal settings or when discussing personal experiences.
Common error
Avoid using "second time's the charm" in formal or serious contexts where optimism might seem inappropriate or insensitive. For example, it would be unsuitable to use this phrase when discussing serious medical conditions or significant financial setbacks.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "second time's the charm" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express optimism or hope that a second attempt at something will be successful, especially after an initial failure. This is supported by Ludwig's examples that the phrase is frequently used in News & Media contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Science
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The expression "second time's the charm" is an idiom used to express hope for success on a second attempt, especially after an initial failure. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its prevalent use in informal contexts, particularly in News & Media. Although it is grammatically sound and commonly understood, its informal tone makes it less suitable for formal or serious situations. While there aren't a huge number of examples, this means that Ludwig AI rates it as uncommon, the expression remains a positive and encouraging way to approach a second try.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
second chance at success
Emphasizes the opportunity to achieve a favorable result in the current attempt.
success on the second try
Highlights the achievement of success in the second effort.
second attempt may succeed
Focuses on the possibility of success in the current attempt.
hoping for success this time
Expresses the desire for a positive outcome on the current try.
newfound hope for success
Indicates a renewed sense of optimism for the current endeavor.
a better outcome this time
Suggests that the current attempt will yield a more desirable outcome.
the second try could bring fortune
Emphasizes that the second try might have success.
revised attempt may prove fruitful
Emphasizes the possibility of success in the revised endeavor.
this time, fortune may favor
Suggests that the current attempt will be favored by success.
expecting a positive result now
Expresses anticipation for a favorable result.
FAQs
When is it appropriate to use "second time's the charm"?
Use "second time's the charm" in situations where someone is trying something again after an initial failure, expressing hope for a better outcome. It's suitable for informal conversations about personal experiences.
What are some alternative ways to say "second time's the charm"?
You can use alternatives like "second attempt may succeed", "success on the second try", or "second chance at success" depending on the context.
Is "second time's the charm" grammatically correct?
Yes, "second time's the charm" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in informal settings.
Can I use "second time's the charm" in formal writing?
While grammatically correct, "second time's the charm" is generally considered informal and may not be appropriate for formal writing. Consider more professional alternatives depending on the context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested