second time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second time when" is not correct and is generally not used in written English.
It is redundant because "second time" already implies a specific instance, making "when" unnecessary. Example: "This is the second time I have asked you to complete the report."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yvonne had not said anything that second time, when he said "Hello".

The New Yorker

Once when you worry about it, and the second time when it happens".

The New Yorker

I read the essay for a second time when I was in my early twenties.

The New Yorker

He helped them a second time when he gave evidence to the Hutton inquiry last summer.

The Guardian

She was knocked back a second time when diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Guardian

My nerve wobbled a second time when I looked over my shoulder at the wall ahead.

The New Yorker

However, in 2005 Mr Mulally was passed over for the second time when Boeing sought a new chief executive.

The Economist

Ms. Dugard became pregnant with her first child at 13, and for a second time when she was 16.

The New York Times

Once physically, and a second time when they die from people's memories," Fan told the South China Morning Post.

The Guardian

She saw it again a second time, when a subway train she was on ducked out of a tunnel.

The New Yorker

It wasn't the second time, when the meat was spectacular, but the skin was floppy rather than crisp.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "second time when" in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "the second time that" or "on the second occasion" for improved clarity.

Common error

Using "when" after "second time" is often redundant. Revise your sentences to omit "when" for conciseness and grammatical precision. For example, instead of saying 'This is the second time when it happened', try 'This is the second time it happened'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second time when" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a subordinate clause that specifies the temporal context of an event. Although Ludwig AI identifies it as not correct and redundant, it indicates an action occurring again after an initial instance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "second time when" is frequently used across various contexts, as identified by Ludwig. However, Ludwig AI points out that it's often considered grammatically incorrect and redundant. While prevalent in news, media, and other sources, better alternatives like "the "second time that"" or "on the "second occasion"" offer improved clarity and grammatical precision. Therefore, it's advisable to opt for these alternatives, especially in formal writing, to ensure conciseness and accuracy. The high frequency of the phrase suggests it is common in everyday language despite grammatical concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second instance when

Replaces "time" with "instance" for a more formal tone, maintaining the temporal context.

the second occasion when

Substitutes "time" with "occasion", providing a slightly different nuance while keeping the temporal reference.

the second instance that

Replaces "when" with "that" to create a grammatically sound sentence.

the second time that

Uses "that" instead of "when" for grammatical correctness in specifying the occasion.

on the second occasion

Omits "when" for a more concise and grammatically correct expression.

during the second instance

Focuses on the duration within the second occurrence, removing the need for "when".

subsequently, when

Introduces a sequential aspect, highlighting what followed at that specific point in time.

after the second instance

Emphasizes the sequence of events following the second occurrence.

following the second time

Highlights the sequence of events immediately after the second occurrence, maintaining a clear timeline.

in the second instance

Uses "in" to specify being within a particular case or event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "second time when" to improve grammatical accuracy?

To improve grammatical accuracy, replace "second time when" with alternatives such as "the "second time that"", "the "second instance that"", or "on the "second occasion"" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "second time when" in a sentence?

No, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The phrase "second time" already indicates a specific instance, making the addition of "when" redundant. Better alternatives include "the "second time that"" or simply "the "second time"".

What's a more formal way to say "second time when"?

A more formal way to express "second time when" is to use phrases like "the "second instance that"" or "on the "second occasion"". These alternatives provide a more polished and grammatically sound expression.

Can "the second time when" be shortened without losing its meaning?

Yes, it can. You can often shorten "the second time when" to simply "the "second time"", as the context usually implies the condition or event that occurred during that instance. For example, "the "second time that"" is also applicable if you need to introduce a clause.