third time around

USAGE SUMMARY

"third time around" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has happened or been done for the third time. Example: "I failed my driving test twice, but the third time around, I finally passed." In this example, the speaker is emphasizing that after two failed attempts, they were successful on their third attempt.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it easier the second or third time around?

The Guardian - Business

So how will it be third time around?

The Guardian - Books

Your shoulders get broader and it's easier to handle the second or third time around".

The Guardian - Sport

The third time around, we had the opportunity to let it develop into something more".

The New York Times - Style

The third time around, as I pulled alongside the pickup, it drove away.

The New York Times

WB, Sundays at 9 30, starting Oct. 7. "SURVIVOR: AFRICA" Can the phenomenon last a third time around?

The New York Times - Arts

But, even the second or third time around, very few women look their best in a long, white gown.

The New York Times

Which doesn't mean it's not just as entertaining the second or even third time around, offered in each new iteration with a few more spicy details.

The New York Times - Books

"By the third time around, we kinda had a sense of what we could get away with, so we went there".

The Guardian

"Once you begin showing all of your pitches early, the second and third time around, they have seen all of your stuff.

The New York Times - Sports

Third time around, the 28-year-old Swede is still bouncing around a big, satisfying echo chamber of spacious production: heartbreak, after all, feels this magnified.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "third time around" to clearly indicate that an event or attempt is happening for the third time, often with the implication of learning from previous experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "third time around" when simply stating a sequence of events without any connection or build-up from previous attempts. It should imply a continuation or lesson learned from the first two times.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "third time around" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or sequence of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it signifies that something is happening for the third time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "third time around" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adverbial phrase that indicates something is happening for the third time. Its usage is common across various contexts, including news, business, and general conversation. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for different audiences, it is essential to use it when the action is indeed a third attempt, implying learning or continuation from previous tries. Numerous examples provided by Ludwig showcase its versatility and widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a third attempt

Focuses on the act of trying again, specifically for the third time.

on the third occasion

Emphasizes the specific instance or event occurring for the third time.

for the third instance

Highlights the particular occurrence out of a series of events.

in the third iteration

Implies a process of refinement or development through multiple stages.

at the third repetition

Stresses the act of repeating something, specifically for the third time.

upon the third recurrence

Highlights the repeated appearance or happening of something.

the third go

A more informal way of saying the third attempt.

the third inning

Relates to an attempt in the context of baseball or a similar game.

the third act

Refers to the third and final part of a play, movie or other performing art.

the charm is in the third

Highlights the traditional idea that the third time is particularly lucky or successful.

FAQs

How can I use "third time around" in a sentence?

You can use "third time around" to indicate that something is happening for the third time, often with an implication that previous attempts have occurred. For example, "I hope this works, it's the third time around I'm trying to fix it."

What's a more formal alternative to "third time around"?

For a more formal context, consider using phrases such as "on the third occasion" or "for the third iteration". These alternatives offer a similar meaning while maintaining a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "third time round" instead of "third time around"?

Yes, "third time round" is a valid alternative, particularly common in British English, and carries the same meaning as "third time around".

How does the meaning of "third time around" differ from "last time around"?

"Third time around" specifically indicates the third attempt or occurrence, while "last time around" refers to the most recent previous attempt, regardless of whether it was the second, third, or any subsequent attempt.