Meaning & use
second chances
Last updated
“second chances” is a form of “second chance”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
Another opportunity to do something after failing or making a mistake the first time.
Grammar: Always plural in this general sense; use the singular 'a second chance' when talking about one specific opportunity.
Patterns
- give someone second chances
- get second chances
- deserve second chances
Some teachers believe in giving students second chances.
He was grateful for second chances after his business failed.
Not everyone gets second chances in life.
Word forms
| singular | second chance |
|---|
Common combinations
- give someone a second chance
- She decided to give him a second chance after he apologized.
- get a second chance
- He got a second chance to take the exam.
- deserve a second chance
- Everyone deserves a second chance to prove themselves.
- a second chance at something
- This job is a second chance at a career she loves.
Synonyms and how they differ
- another opportunity
- More neutral and general; 'second chance' often implies a previous failure.
- fresh start
- Focuses on beginning again completely, not just having another try.
Word family
- second-chance adjective
- Used before a noun, as in 'a second-chance school' for students who failed elsewhere.
Commonly confused: second chances or second hand?
second chances vs second hand
Refers to something used or owned before, not to a new opportunity.
Practice
After he failed the test, the teacher decided to give him ______.
Choose one answer.
'A second chance' is the correct singular form for one specific opportunity. 'Second chances' is plural and would need a plural context like 'give second chances to everyone'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “second chances”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.