the second half

USAGE SUMMARY

"the second half" is a perfectly grammatical phrase that can be used in written English.
For example: "I read the first half of the book before bed, and finished the second half the next morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

chants throughout the second half.

The New York Times

21, starting the second half.

The New York Times - Sports

The second half is the story.

The New York Times

We hurt ourselves throughout the second half".

The New York Times - Sports

The second half is under way!

The New York Times

The second half was disappointing too.

Independent

In the second half, Southampton were transformed.

Independent

Two minutes into the second half, O.S.U.

The New York Times

Auburn didn't score in the second half.

The New York Times

In the second half, Altidore was relentless.

The New York Times

He didn't return for the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event with a clear midpoint, use "the second half" to smoothly transition to discussing later developments.

Common error

Avoid using "the second half" when referring to vague or undefined periods; it's best suited for scenarios with a distinct first half already established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the second half" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is used to denote the latter portion of something divided into two parts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the second half" is a common noun phrase primarily used to refer to the latter part of something divided into two sections. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, predominantly in news and media contexts. The phrase serves to indicate or analyze this later segment. While generally neutral in tone, it is versatile enough for both formal and informal discourse. When using "the second half", ensure a clear division into two parts exists for maximum clarity. Alternatives like "the latter portion" or "the remaining part" can provide similar meanings in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second section

Directly splits something into two parts, as "the second half" does, with an emphasis on structural arrangement.

the other portion

Highlights a binary division, directly comparable to "the second half" in scenarios with two clear segments.

the latter portion

Focuses on the temporal aspect of something coming later, similar to "the second half" but applicable in more abstract contexts.

the remaining part

Emphasizes the portion left after an initial part, close in meaning to "the second half" when referring to divisions.

the second stage

Signifies progression to the next definable part, akin to "the second half" when tracking developments.

the concluding stage

Highlights the final phase of an event, more suitable when emphasizing completion rather than a division.

the rest

Simplifies the concept to what remains, functioning similarly to "the second half" in indicating what follows.

the final segment

Implies a clear division into parts, like "the second half", but might fit better in discussions of structured elements.

the subsequent period

Refers to a time frame that follows another, akin to "the second half" in temporal contexts.

the next phase

Indicates a transition to a new part of a process, paralleling "the second half" in developmental narratives.

FAQs

How can I use "the second half" in a sentence?

You can use "the second half" to refer to the latter part of something that is divided into two parts, like a game or a book. For example: "The team played much better in the "second half"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "the second half"?

Similar phrases include "the latter portion", "the remaining part", or "the concluding stage", each emphasizing different aspects of the latter part of something.

Is it correct to use "the second half" when referring to a period with no clear division?

While grammatically correct, using "the second half" is most effective when there's a clear first half already established. Otherwise, it might cause confusion.

What is the difference between "the second half" and "the other portion"?

"The second half" specifically implies a chronological division, while "the other portion" simply indicates one of two parts, without necessarily implying sequence.