second time was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second time was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an event or action that occurred for the second time in the past. Example: "The second time was much easier than the first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The second time was different.

The New York Times

He applied a second time, was hired.

The New Yorker

The first time was in Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

The second time was late in 2013.

The New Yorker

The second time was your fault.

The Guardian - Music

The second time was last year.

The Guardian - Music

The second time was in 1984.

The New York Times

The second time was opposite Geoffrey [Rush] as my Fool.

The Guardian

The first time was '83, the second time was '85.

The Guardian

The second time was in Dublin in 1991.

The Guardian

The second time was more like a relief.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "second time was", ensure the context clearly establishes the first occurrence. This provides necessary background and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "second time was" without clearly defining what the first time was. Ensure the reader understands the initial event to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second time was" typically functions as a clause that introduces a subsequent event or experience, building upon a previously mentioned occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is used to provide additional details or contrast the second occurrence with the first, and examples include describing a return visit, a repeated attempt, or a later stage in a process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "second time was" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to describe a recurring event or experience. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, personal narratives, and even some scientific publications. The phrase functions to provide context, compare experiences, or narrate a sequence of events. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to establish clearly what the 'first time' refers to in order to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "the second instance was" or "on the second occasion" can offer slight variations in formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second instance was

Replaces "time" with "instance" offering a more formal or precise alternative.

on the second occasion

Uses "occasion" instead of "time", suggesting a specific event or happening.

the second attempt was

Emphasizes the act of trying again, suitable when referring to efforts or trials.

the repeat performance was

Applicable when describing a repeated event, especially in arts or sports.

the follow-up was

Suggests a subsequent action or event that directly follows the first.

in the second iteration

Common in technical or developmental contexts, referring to a revised version.

the next time was

Focuses on the chronological sequence, indicating the subsequent occurrence.

the second visit was

Specifically refers to a return visit to a place or person.

the rematch was

Used primarily in competitive contexts like sports or debates.

the sequel was

Often used in reference to movies, books, or other creative works.

FAQs

How can I use "second time was" in a sentence?

Use "second time was" to describe a recurring event or action. For example, "The first time I visited Paris was in 2010; the second time was in 2015."

What are some alternatives to "second time was"?

Alternatives include "the "second instance was"", "on the "second occasion"", or "the "second attempt was"", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "second time was"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It functions as a clause that introduces additional information about a recurring event or action.

How does "second time was" compare to "the first time was"?

"The first time was" introduces the initial event, while "second time was" refers back to that initial event, providing a comparison or further detail about the subsequent occurrence. Both set up a narrative sequence.