like second nature vs like a second nature

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Like second nature' is the more common and idiomatic expression, meaning something that is done instinctively or without much thought. On the other hand, 'like a second nature' could be used to emphasize the idea of having a second nature in addition to the primary one.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 345 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something that is done instinctively or without much thought.

"like second nature"

This phrase is used to describe an action or behavior that is so natural to someone that it feels like an inherent part of them, similar to a reflex or instinct.

Examples:

For her, playing the piano was like second nature.
After years of practice, driving became like second nature to him.
He had been doing it for so long that it was like second nature to him.
For some athletes, scoring goals is like second nature.
Speaking in public is like second nature to her.

Show examples from the web [+]

On the contrary, it feels... like second nature.
Coming out here now and being thrown in this situation - it's - it's like second nature for me just to always jump ahead and take that stand.
Keeping things moving forward is something like second nature to us. We are never quite content with our achievements and are always looking for new angles of approaches.
A natural connection We understand that technology is more useful when it's easy to use, which is why interacting with the XC60 feels like second nature.
It used to be like second nature, and now I don't have the right lights, the right music, the right clothes.
More and more often speak of the artificial feel like second nature, but in the social conception of today's highly technological and put into action there are procedures the organic link enre natural and artificial.
Yes, just two simple letters to represent their site, but to type it in, is just like second nature to me because it is so simple.Another important part is to watch how you spell words for your domain.
When it comes to developing innovative products, our philosophy is quite simple. We don't just create "easy-to-use" software, we design ways that make our software feel like second-nature.
But over all they are very loving and hospitality is like their second nature.
The spirituality of the Congregation continues to be like a second nature to me .
We'd even think that they've been doing this all their life and yet it's a passion, somewhat like a second nature.
You lied like it's second nature.
He has directed international award-winning short films like "Defteri Fysi - Second Nature" and "Summer Love" as well as numerous television commercials.
YOU LIED LIKE IT'S SECOND NATURE.
As a virtue, faith is a supernatural habit, and like a "second nature," it inclines the believer to recognize what is true and reject what is false, not by a process of reasoning, but spontaneously.
Data retrieval will become second nature to many pupils.
Practice your falls until they are second nature.
Making people die, it had become second nature.
Being someone else must be second nature to you.
Dismantle and assembly will be second nature, like breathing.

Alternatives:

as natural as breathing
like a reflex
like clockwork
like riding a bike
like falling off a log

This phrase is also correct, but it is less common than 'like second nature.' It could be used to emphasize the idea of having a second nature in addition to the primary one.

"like a second nature"

This phrase could be used to suggest the existence of a secondary or additional nature or characteristic beyond the primary one.

Show examples from the web [+]

like a second nature
The spirituality of the Congregation continues to be like a second nature to me .
We'd even think that they've been doing this all their life and yet it's a passion, somewhat like a second nature.
As a virtue, faith is a supernatural habit, and like a "second nature," it inclines the believer to recognize what is true and reject what is false, not by a process of reasoning, but spontaneously.
All because they used stone or paint to create a second nature.
Looking over your shoulder needs to become a second nature.
It's almost a second nature for me.
Chapter X: Obedience as a second nature
We began thinking of colour as a second nature of the geometric figures that dispute, ever since the origins, the walking plane.
Data retrieval will become second nature to many pupils.
Practice your falls until they are second nature.
The fetishistic, purely objective appearance of spectacular relations conceals the fact that they are relations among men and classes: a second nature with its fatal laws seems to dominate our environment.
Exactly.Nevertheless I'd like to point out that the styles of the past are deeply-rooted in myself as a second nature, since I received a very rigorous academic training.
I've had an academic training, I graduated on composition in Argentina when I was sixteen and being in the habit of solving technical and composing problems is almost a second nature for me.
Making people die, it had become second nature.
Being someone else must be second nature to you.
Dismantle and assembly will be second nature, like breathing.
A successful cover becomes almost second nature.
Tying knots would be their second nature.
You lied like it's second nature.
It's second nature for him to avoid microwave ovens.

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like second nature vs like a second nature