upon second reading

USAGE SUMMARY

"upon second reading" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually implies that a reader has gone back and read over a text again to gain a better understanding. For example, "Upon second reading, I noticed several details I had initially missed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Likewise, Mr. Comte-Sponville's pithy sentences sometimes wilt upon second reading or turn silly, as when he writes of losing his adolescent faith: "Such freedom!

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Upon first reading, it's easy to see Bateman as exactly this: a psychopath beneath this veneer of a businessman.

The Guardian - Books

When I was a teacher, I taught this book and I'll never forget the way my students reacted to it upon first reading.

The Guardian

The works of Auslander, Roth, and Ozick are obviously rooted in the disbelief that we all felt upon first reading the sentence, "Anne's diary ends here".

The New Yorker

Maybe you're like me: my reluctance to part with books, even those I despised upon first reading, is strong enough to land me on one of those hoarding television shows.

The New Yorker

She recalls her surprise upon first reading of the Wellbeing Index's reflection of this widespread sense of civic disengagement – especially among the young and more recent arrivals to the city – so starkly did it contrast with her own personal experience of Santa Monica as place of classically tight-knit small-town social fabric.

The Guardian

What I loved upon first reading "The Hare" is what I still love most of all about his writing: his delight in leaping into triple-back-flip dives from the very highest platform, even as the pool vanishes, to land neatly on his toes on a little patch of daisies.

The New Yorker

She still retains that belief today but no longer recalls the evidence she had upon first reading the story.

SEP

In the clip below, Kevin describes the powerful reaction he had upon first reading the thought-provoking script.

Huffington Post

As I reread the lighter passages of my mother's favorite to her over the phone, sometimes she was reminded of how she felt upon first reading them.

Huffington Post

Upon first reading them, they seemed unrelated, but I now believe there is a connection that explains the attention they're getting.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon second reading" to clearly indicate that your understanding or opinion changed after reviewing the material more than once. This adds credibility to your analysis.

Common error

Don't use "upon second reading" if you're merely rereading for clarity. This phrase implies a shift in understanding or a discovery of new information or nuance that was not apparent initially.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon second reading" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the timing or condition under which an action or realization occurs. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests a re-evaluation leading to a new understanding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon second reading" indicates a revised understanding after a second review of material. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its relatively rare occurrence labels it as uncommon. While applicable across multiple domains, including News & Media and Science, its use implies a formal tone. When using "upon second reading", ensure you're conveying a genuine shift in comprehension, not just a simple reread. The related phrases offer alternatives for expressing similar ideas with varying degrees of formality. It's important to consider context and intended tone when selecting the most appropriate option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having reread it

Directly indicates the action of reading again.

upon further review

Uses "review" instead of "reading", suitable for documents or performances.

after reviewing it again

Uses "reviewing" which implies a more critical or detailed second look.

after a second look

Replaces "reading" with "look", focusing on a visual re-examination.

on revisiting the text

Emphasizes going back to the text for another reading.

on closer inspection

Shifts from reading to a more general close examination.

after a second perusal

Uses a more formal word, "perusal", for reading.

after reconsideration

Emphasizes the act of thinking again about something.

on re-evaluation

Highlights the process of assessing the value or merit again.

with renewed consideration

Focuses on giving something careful thought again.

FAQs

What does "upon second reading" mean?

The phrase "upon second reading" means that after reading something a second time, a new understanding, detail, or perspective has emerged.

How can I use "upon second reading" in a sentence?

You might say, "Upon second reading, I realized the author's subtle намерения were more complex than I initially thought."

What is a good alternative to "upon second reading"?

Alternatives include "after reconsideration", "on closer inspection", or "upon further review", depending on the context.

Is "upon second reading" formal or informal?

The phrase "upon second reading" is relatively formal and suitable for academic or professional writing, although it appears in news media as well.