upon the second attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon the second attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was tried again after an initial failure or unsuccessful effort. Example: "Upon the second attempt, she successfully solved the complex equation that had stumped her earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the second attempt I had seventy-seven.

The New Yorker

Wigan then cleared at the second attempt.

BBC

where D ideal HOL represents the minimum time required in the CP to transmit an 802.11 frame successfully, upon the first attempt, and is equal to Ts. Ideal queuing delay is given by the Pollaczek-Khinchine formula [12] D ideal Queuing = ρ 2 μ 1 - ρ 1 + c v 2 (20).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Upon the first attempt at anastomosis (both arterial and venous), the changes in the level of glucose were much smaller than that of case study 1.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Finally, an in-house developed and exceptionally efficient cDNA amplification protocol using PCR with Phusion DNA polymerase leads to capture of the targets upon the first attempt with a success rate of 80% or more.

BMC Biotechnology

Just because some children can produce tones on a flute upon the first attempt, that doesn't necessarily mean your child will.

WikiHow

They turned professional in 1898 upon entering the Southern League Second Division, and were promoted to the First Division at the first attempt.

Wikipedia

He succeeded at the first attempt.

Independent

On the third attempt, he dislodged it.

The New Yorker

I got in at the fourth attempt.

The Guardian - Sport

And all at the first attempt, too.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon the second attempt" to clearly indicate that an action was repeated after an initial effort, particularly in formal writing or when emphasizing the deliberate nature of the retry.

Common error

While "on the second attempt" or "in the second attempt" are acceptable, "upon" adds a slightly more formal tone. Avoid using "upon" if the context is highly informal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon the second attempt" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when or under what circumstances an action occurred. It indicates that something happened not on the first try, but after a repeated effort, as also Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon the second attempt" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an action that succeeds after an initial try. While recognized as correct, Ludwig AI and Ludwig's data reveal that this particular phrasing is not frequently encountered in common usage. It carries a neutral to slightly formal tone and is suitable for various contexts, particularly news, science, and general writing. Alternatives like "on the second try" or "after a second attempt" offer similar meaning with varying degrees of formality. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing, as it may come across as overly formal in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the second try

Uses "try" instead of "attempt", offering a more informal tone.

at the second attempt

Replaces "upon" with "at", maintaining the same meaning.

in the second attempt

Replaces "upon" with "in", changing preposition but retaining the core meaning.

after a second try

Emphasizes the sequence of events with "after", adding a temporal element.

on the second go

Substitutes "attempt" with "go", providing a colloquial alternative.

with the second attempt

Highlights the instrument of action.

following the second attempt

Highlights the sequence of events, suggesting a consequence or result.

the second time around

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate repetition.

after the initial failed attempt

More verbose, specifying the failure of the first attempt.

in the follow-up attempt

Highlights the continuity with "follow-up", indicating a planned sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "upon the second attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "upon the second attempt" to indicate that something was achieved after an initial try, for example: "Upon the second attempt, she successfully solved the problem".

What's the difference between "upon the second attempt" and "on the second try"?

"Upon the second attempt" is more formal, while "on the second try" is more casual. Choose based on the tone you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "upon" in the phrase "upon the second attempt"?

No, "at the second attempt" or "in the second attempt" are viable alternatives that maintain similar meaning, although "upon" adds a degree of formality.

What are some synonyms for "upon the second attempt"?

Alternatives include "after a second try", "on the second go", or "the second time around", depending on the context.