Used and loved by millions

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 quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

second time's the charm

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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

The New York Times

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

Independent

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

TechCrunch

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

Forbes

But maybe the second time's the charm, Walter?  .

News & Media

Huffington Post

Maybe the second time's the charm, or not".

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

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

The New York Times

We end, perched indefinitely on this third-time's-the-charm bridal gown cliffhanger.

News & Media

Huffington Post

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

Los Angeles Times

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.

For Mr. Page, the third time's the charm: he's using the Kahn version.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

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.

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.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

80%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: