the second two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the second two" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the second pair in a sequence of two pairs or groups. Example: "In the list of options, I prefer the second two because they offer better features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Save dull for the second two years.

The New York Times

The second two years showed similar performances.

Harvard Business Review

The second two vary by course and instructor and year.

University of California, Berkeley

The second, two dead kittens were inside her.

The New Yorker

David Carney got the second two minutes from time.

The Guardian - Sport

100 199: Upper-division credit courses at the level of the second two years of college.

University of California, Berkeley

We answer the first question in the affirmative, the second two in the negative.

Cornell University

The second: two women at the company who had "distressed babies" in 2012.

The Washington Post

The second two are areas that Heaton is particularly interested in.

The Guardian

In fact, outlays continued to rise in the second two years.

Harvard Business Review

In the second two weeks, we randomly assigned the same participants to one of four conditions.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For very formal writing, replace the phrase with its synonyms such as "the latter two".

Common error

Avoid using "the second two" if there isn't a clear prior reference to a larger set. This can confuse the reader if they're unsure what 'the second two' is referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the second two" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically identifying a subset of items within a previously mentioned group. It is used to pinpoint the second pair or set of two items from a larger collection. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the second two" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for specifying the second pair or group within a larger set. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for a variety of contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the reference is clear to avoid confusion. While "the second two" maintains a generally neutral tone, alternative phrases such as "the latter two" might be more suitable in formal writing. Common usage of the term suggests a focus on detailing a portion of a wider topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second couple

Refers to the pair that comes after the first.

the next pair

Emphasizes the immediate succession of the two items.

the latter duo

Points to the last two mentioned items or individuals.

the second set

Describes a group of two that is the second in a series.

the latter couple

Identifies the last two items being discussed.

the following pair

Refers to the next set of two, emphasizing sequence.

the second grouping

Refers to a pair considered as a distinct group.

the subsequent couple

Indicates the next two items in a series, highlighting their order.

the second brace

Highlights a pair of items considered as a unit.

the second brace

Highlights a pair of items considered as a unit.

FAQs

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

You can use "the second two" to refer to the second pair or group of items out of a larger set. For example, "The first two chapters were introductory, while "the second two" delved into the core concepts."

What's a good alternative to using "the second two"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the latter two", "the next pair", or "the subsequent couple".

When is it appropriate to use "the second two"?

"The second two" is appropriate when you've already introduced a set of items and want to specifically discuss the second pair or group within that set.

Is there a difference between "the second two" and "the last two"?

Yes, "the second two" specifically refers to the second pair in a sequence, while "the last two" refers to the final pair in a sequence, regardless of how many items came before.