second time the charm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second time the charm" is not correct in English; it should be "second time's the charm." You can use it when referring to the hope that a second attempt at something will be successful after a first failure.
Example: "I didn't pass the exam the first time, but I'm confident that the second time's the charm."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Is the second time the charm?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Irish did to UConn what Blair's team did to Baylor in Dallas last week, made the fourth time the charm.

The New York Times - Sports

"I really wanted a medal last year and I've been in four finals so I'm now hoping it will be fourth time the charm".

The Guardian - Sport

Is third time the charm?

Los Angeles Times

Is the fourth time the charm for Jennifer Lopez?

Huffington Post

Third time the charm as it is said.

Huffington Post

Third times the charm, right?

Vice

The second time is the charm for the Moto 360 – this is what the original should have been last year.

The Guardian - Tech

Will the second time be the charm?

Forbes

Let's hope the second time is the charm.

Huffington Post

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

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the grammatically correct version: "second time's the charm". This ensures clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid omitting the possessive apostrophe. "Second time the charm" is incorrect; always use "second time's the charm".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second time the charm" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express hope that a second attempt at something will be successful. Ludwig's analysis indicates that this phrase is often used informally, but the grammatically correct form is "second time's the charm".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "second time the charm" is an idiomatic expression used to express hope for success on a second attempt. However, Ludwig AI points out that the grammatically correct version is "second time's the charm", which includes a possessive apostrophe. While "second time the charm" does appear in some informal contexts like news media, it's best to use the correct version to ensure clarity and credibility. Related phrases include "third time's the charm" or general expressions of hope for future success. Using the grammatically correct version of the phrase, or a suitable alternative, will ensure your writing is clear and professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Second time's the charm

Corrected version of the original phrase, fixing the grammatical error.

Third time's the charm

Similar to the original, but suggesting success might come on the third attempt.

The second attempt will be successful

Expresses confidence in the success of the second try.

The next attempt should succeed

General statement expressing hope for success in the following try.

Hopefully, we'll get it right next time

Expresses a hopeful sentiment about achieving success in the next attempt.

Let's hope for success this time

Focuses on wishing for success in the present or upcoming attempt.

The following try might prove more fruitful

A more formal way of saying that the next attempt could yield better results.

Another attempt might do the trick

Suggests that a repeat attempt could finally lead to success.

Maybe this time it'll work

Expresses a cautious optimism for success in the current or upcoming attempt.

Perhaps success lies in the next attempt

Poses the idea that success might be found in the subsequent try.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "second time the charm"?

The correct phrasing is "second time's the charm". The original phrase omits the possessive apostrophe, making it grammatically incorrect.

When can I use the phrase "second time's the charm"?

Use "second time's the charm" when you're hoping that a second attempt at something will be successful, especially after the first attempt failed.

Are there other similar phrases to "second time's the charm"?

Yes, you can also use phrases like "third time's the charm" if you are on your third try, or simply express hope for success in the next attempt with phrases like "hopefully we'll get it right next time".

Is "second time the charm" ever acceptable?

While some instances of "second time the charm" can be found, it's grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. Stick to "second time's the charm".