the second time around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the second time around" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a metaphor to indicate a repetition of something that has already happened. For example, "This time around, I'm more prepared for the job interview than the second time around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What feels different the second time around?

The New York Times

The second time around is less meaningful.

The New Yorker

The second time around, I still got 4's.

The New York Times

The second time around, you marry for love.

The New York Times

Well, it's more fun the second time around!

The Guardian - Books

The second time around, critics change their minds.

The New York Times

The second time around was not so successful for Donovan.

The New York Times - Sports

The second time around, the scenario was different.

The Guardian - Sport

But the second time around, alas, your experience is tepid.

The New York Times

The second time around was every bit as stimulating.

The New York Times

But will a prenup get in the way of love the second time around?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the second time around", ensure the context clearly establishes what happened the first time. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the comparison being made.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience knows the details of the first instance. Briefly recap the initial situation to provide context for "the second time around", preventing confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the second time around" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when or under what circumstances an action is performed. It specifies that something is happening again, often with the implication of a changed context or perspective. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the second time around" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to compare a repeated event with its initial occurrence. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to highlight differences, improvements, or altered perspectives. To use it effectively, ensure clear context and avoid assumptions about the audience's prior knowledge. Consider alternatives like "on the second attempt" or "with a second chance" to achieve subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a second chance

Focuses on the opportunity to improve or correct something in a subsequent iteration.

given another opportunity

Emphasizes that someone has a new chance to do something.

on the second attempt

Focuses specifically on the act of trying again after an initial attempt.

in the повторно instance

Highlights that something has happened again.

following a repeat

Focuses on something after a repetition of a same action or activity.

upon reevaluation

Emphasizes the act of assessing something again, potentially leading to a different outcome.

after revisiting

Highlights the act of considering something again.

at the next iteration

Highlights that something has happened again.

with the benefit of hindsight

Highlights an improved understanding of the situation in a later attempt.

in the subsequent phase

This emphasizes that something occurs in the next stage or period.

FAQs

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

You can use "the second time around" to describe a repeated event or experience, such as "The second time around, I knew what to expect" or "Marriage "the second time around" can be different".

What is a similar phrase to "the second time around"?

Alternatives to "the second time around" include phrases like "on the second attempt", "with a second chance", or "after revisiting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always better "the second time around"?

Not necessarily. While experience can be an advantage, ""the second time around"" can bring new challenges or different outcomes, as some examples show it can be also harder or less funny.

Can "the second time around" apply to more than just two attempts?

While it literally refers to the second instance, ""the second time around"" is often used idiomatically to refer to any subsequent attempt where prior experience influences the outcome. It may suggest a contrast with the initial experience.