have a second thought vs have second thoughts

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Have a second thought' is not commonly used and may sound awkward. On the other hand, 'have second thoughts' is the more common and idiomatic expression to indicate reconsidering a decision or opinion.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1725 views

This phrase is technically correct but not commonly used in English.

"have a second thought"

This phrase can be used to express the idea of reconsidering a decision or opinion, but it is less common than the alternative.

Alternatives:

have second thoughts

This phrase is the more common and idiomatic expression in English.

"have second thoughts"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is reconsidering a decision or opinion. It is the preferred form over 'have a second thought.'

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm starting to have second thoughts about him.
This subject is extremely important and it is natural to have second thoughts on such proposals.
I don't trust anybody, and I'm starting to have second thoughts about this. Chicken.
And I want to know if that made you have second thoughts about us.
I'm beginning to have second thoughts about Taz.
I'm engaged to Tim though I'm starting to have second thoughts.
And I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a little worried you might have second thoughts.
But he told me that after 9/11, he began to have second thoughts.
Maybe you're just worried if you actually knew what was on it, you'd have second thoughts about who you're selling it to.
Suicide bombers have been known to have second thoughts.
I can make your family's life very difficult should you have second thoughts.
Come now, before they have second thoughts.
If you have second thoughts, you're welcome here.
You have second thoughts, get out of here.
No, I didn't have second thoughts about our marriage.
You have second thoughts, you walk out that door.
Honestly... you ever have second thoughts aboutus?
Then, all of a sudden, you have second thoughts.
The rising death toll on the roads is forcing us to have second thoughts.
I sincerely hope that the Netherlands government will have second thoughts on the decisions it has made.

Alternatives:

have doubts
reconsider
think again
rethink
have reservations

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have a second thought vs have second thoughts