the second time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the second time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has already happened once before. For example, "I went to the zoo the second time this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The second time, paragraphs.

Independent

Here's the second time.

The New York Times

The second time: life.

The Economist

The second time was different.

The New York Times

The second time, she him.

The New York Times - Books

Just as enjoyable the second time around.

The New York Times

The second time he had no reasons".

The New York Times - Books

"The second time, he wasn't there.

The New Yorker

"It's the second time," he said.

The New York Times

The second time, he was ready.

The New York Times

The second time, the same thing happened.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the second time", ensure there's a clear reference to a prior event or action to provide context. This helps the reader understand the sequence being described.

Common error

Avoid using "the second time" if there isn't a clearly established first occurrence. Ensure that the order of events is explicitly stated to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the second time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action or event occurred in a sequence. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the second time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a subsequent occurrence of an event or action. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase to specify timing and provide chronological context. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various settings, from news reports to academic papers. While the phrase is clear, remember to establish a reference to a previous event to prevent ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this versatile phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a second time

Removes "the" to make the phrase slightly less specific.

on the second occasion

Replaces "time" with "occasion", providing a slightly more formal tone.

the following time

Replaces "second" with "following", emphasizing the immediate next occurrence.

the subsequent time

Uses "subsequent" for a more formal and precise indication of sequence.

the next instance

Substitutes "time" with "instance", focusing on a specific occurrence.

in the second instance

Adds "in" to specify it as an instance.

upon the second occurrence

Uses "occurrence" for a more formal and precise indication.

the other time

Provides a more generic way to refer to another instance.

at the second attempt

Focuses on the effort made and that there were multiple attempts.

the next go-around

Offers a more informal and colloquial alternative.

FAQs

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

Use "the second time" to refer to an event that has occurred once before. For example, "The first time I visited Paris it rained, but "the second time", the sun was shining."

What is a more formal alternative to "the second time"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using "on the second occasion" or "in the second instance". These phrases maintain a similar meaning but are suited for professional or academic writing.

Is it correct to say "second time that" instead of "the second time"?

While grammatically acceptable in some contexts, "the second time" is generally preferred for clarity and conciseness. "Second time that" can sound slightly redundant.

Can "the second time" be used to describe feelings or experiences?

Yes, "the second time" can describe feelings or experiences. For example, "I wasn't nervous the first time I spoke in public, but "the second time", I was terrified".