In the second place
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to logically list your second reason in a serious or persuasive conversation.
En 15 secondes
- Used to introduce a second point in an argument.
- Requires a 'first place' to make sense.
- Common in professional, academic, or serious discussions.
Signification
Think of this as saying 'the second reason' or 'also.' It is a way to organize your thoughts when you are giving a list of reasons or points during a serious talk.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Explaining why a project failed
In the first place, the deadline was too tight. In the second place, we lacked the necessary software.
Firstly, the deadline was too tight. Secondly, we lacked the necessary software.
Debating a vacation spot with a partner
In the second place, I don't even like the beach that much!
And another thing, I don't even like the beach that much!
Writing a formal complaint email
In the second place, the customer service representative was quite rude when I called.
Additionally, the customer service representative was quite rude.
Contexte culturel
This expression stems from classical rhetoric, where speakers would mentally place their arguments in different 'places' or 'rooms' of a building to remember them. It became a staple of English formal logic and remains a hallmark of structured, persuasive communication in both the UK and the US.
The Rule of Two
Never use `In the second place` unless you have already used `In the first place`. It's a pair!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for five points in a row, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with `Additionally` or `Moreover`.
En 15 secondes
- Used to introduce a second point in an argument.
- Requires a 'first place' to make sense.
- Common in professional, academic, or serious discussions.
What It Means
Imagine you are building a wall of reasons. In the first place is your foundation. In the second place is the next brick you lay down. It simply means 'secondly' or 'another thing is.' It helps your listener follow your logic without getting lost. It is like a roadmap for your brain's argument.
How To Use It
You almost always need to start with In the first place. It sounds strange to start with the second point! You state your first idea, then use this phrase to introduce your next one. It usually sits at the very beginning of a sentence. Follow it with a comma to give your listener a tiny breath. For example: In the second place, the weather there is terrible.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound organized and persuasive. It is perfect for a job interview when explaining your skills. It works great in a heated (but polite) debate with a friend about which movie is better. Use it in emails when you have several points to make. It makes you sound like someone who has really thought things through. It adds a bit of 'weight' to your words.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very short, fast-paced text messages. If you are just saying 'Hey, pick up milk,' don't use this! It can sound a bit stiff or 'teacher-like' if you use it while joking around at a loud party. If you only have one point to make, definitely skip it. Using it without a 'first place' makes you sound like you forgot how to count. Don't be that person!
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a long tradition of logic and rhetoric in English. English speakers love to categorize things into 'points.' It reflects a cultural value on linear, organized thinking. In Western academic and legal settings, being able to list arguments clearly is seen as a sign of intelligence. It is a classic 'debater's phrase' that has moved into everyday professional life.
Common Variations
You might hear people say Secondly or Furthermore. Some people use In the second instance in very legal settings. A more casual version is just saying And another thing. But In the second place hits that perfect sweet spot between 'smart' and 'clear.' It is a classic for a reason!
Notes d'usage
This is a formal discourse marker. It is best used in writing or structured speech, and it always requires a comma immediately following it.
The Rule of Two
Never use `In the second place` unless you have already used `In the first place`. It's a pair!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for five points in a row, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with `Additionally` or `Moreover`.
The Sarcastic Twist
Sometimes native speakers use this formally just to be funny or dramatic when complaining about something trivial, like a bad sandwich.
Exemples
6In the first place, the deadline was too tight. In the second place, we lacked the necessary software.
Firstly, the deadline was too tight. Secondly, we lacked the necessary software.
Used here to provide a structured explanation in a professional setting.
In the second place, I don't even like the beach that much!
And another thing, I don't even like the beach that much!
Adds a secondary personal reason to an ongoing argument.
In the second place, the customer service representative was quite rude when I called.
Additionally, the customer service representative was quite rude.
Organizes multiple grievances clearly for the reader.
In the first place, he was late. In the second place, he talked about his cat for three hours.
First, he was late. Then, he talked about his cat for three hours.
Uses a formal structure for humorous, dramatic effect in a casual chat.
In the second place, you promised you would be there for me.
And more importantly, you promised you would be there for me.
Adds emotional weight by highlighting a broken promise as a secondary point.
In the second place, the evidence clearly shows my client was not at the scene.
Furthermore, the evidence shows my client was not there.
A classic use in a high-stakes logical argument.
Teste-toi
Complete the logical sequence in this argument.
In the first place, I don't have the money. ___, I don't have the time.
Since the speaker started with 'In the first place,' the logical follow-up for a second reason is 'In the second place.'
Choose the best phrase to sound professional in a meeting.
We shouldn't hire him. In the first place, he lacks experience. ___, his references were poor.
'In the second place' maintains the formal tone established by the first sentence.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Level of 'In the second place'
Casual chat with friends
And another thing...
Standard daily communication
Secondly...
Essays, meetings, debates
In the second place...
When to use 'In the second place'
Job Interview
Listing your top skills.
Academic Essay
Adding a second supporting argument.
Serious Discussion
Explaining why you're upset.
Legal/Formal
Presenting facts in a case.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is a direct synonym for secondly. However, in the second place feels slightly more formal and emphatic.
You can, but it might sound a bit dramatic or overly serious. It is better for emails or spoken arguments.
Usually, yes. It sets the stage for a list. If you skip it, your listener might wonder where the first point went!
It is used in both! It is a standard part of English academic and professional discourse globally.
You can, but it starts to sound a bit repetitive. After the second point, people often switch to Furthermore or Finally.
Absolutely. It makes you sound very organized and logical when answering complex questions.
The most common mistake is forgetting the comma after the phrase, like in In the second place we need to go.
It can sound a bit firm. If you use it while arguing, it shows you are serious and have multiple reasons for your stance.
No, it must follow an existing point. You can't walk up to someone and say In the second place, hi!
Neither is 'better,' but in the second place is more rhythmic and often used in persuasive speaking.
Expressions liées
In the first place
The first point in a list of reasons.
Secondly
A simpler, one-word version of the same idea.
Furthermore
A formal way to add more information to an argument.
Moreover
Used to introduce a piece of information that supports or adds to what has been said.
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