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second best vs second the best

The correct phrase is 'second best.' 'Second the best' is not a common or correct construction in English. 'Second best' is a well-known phrase used to describe something that is not the best but is the next best option.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 738 views

second best

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to describe something that is not the best but is the next best option.

Examples:

  • She may not have won, but she came in second best.
  • This cake is good, but the one we had yesterday was second best.
  • That would be the second best investment that we could do.
  • We also have PFC Lenihan, who is our second best marksman...
  • He still carries a torch for you. Plus, Grayson is his second best friend.
  • However, he was second best against Gary Anderson in a 5-1 defeat.
  • And second best is your uncle.
  • I'm not content to be second best.
  • You caught the second best cyberterrorist, Agent DiNozzo.
  • You won't even sell your second best.
  • And I will not be second best.
  • He's my second best friend.
  • 'I'd say you might be the second best priest.
  • Pinocchio was acknowledged as the second best film in the animation genre, after Snow White.
  • The second best time was signed by Pasiewich, followed by Scognamiglio and Irfan.
  • If it's lost forever, that's second best.
  • MAN: ... America's second best chef.
  • For me, bilateral agreements are always the second best option.
  • We will not accept second best any more.
  • He was the second best sound engineer over at Bayview.
  • How he was the reason I had to settle for... second best.
  • What can I offer him except a shabby second best?

second the best

This phrase is not a common or correct construction in English.

  • The hundred and second, the best of the best.
  • The best second act on Broadway.
  • Crocodile Dundee ill is the second-best of the Croc trilogy, so maybe I can live with that.
  • Argentine beef - the second-best in the world.
  • The second point is best practices.
  • I mean, you are the second-best hunter on the planet.
  • The second-best dentist at a run-down strip mall.
  • You're the second-best detective we have...
  • I'd say you might be... the second best.
  • Crashing is the second best part.
  • I hear you're the second-best cop in L.A.
  • He was the second best sound engineer over at Bayview.
  • Look... Our kid got the second-best grade in the class.
  • The second best sensation I ever felt.
  • I think possibly the second best performance I ever heard.
  • Thanks. I thought you were the second best crocodile hunter.
  • The second best thing would be to focus on malnutrition.
  • The second best thing to do in this town besides leave.
  • I just booked the second best ukulele band in San Francisco.
  • You caught the second best cyberterrorist, Agent DiNozzo.

Alternatives:

  • second best

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