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second-hand vs second hand

Both "second-hand" and "second hand" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Second-hand" is commonly used as an adjective to describe something that is not new, while "second hand" is used as a noun to refer to the hand on a clock or watch.

Last updated: March 22, 2024

second-hand

This is correct. "Second-hand" is commonly used as an adjective to describe something that is not new.

Use "second-hand" when you want to describe something that is not new, especially when referring to items that have been previously owned or used.

Examples:

  • She bought a second-hand car.
  • I prefer to shop for second-hand clothes.
  • The store sells second-hand furniture.
  • He found a great deal on a second-hand laptop.
  • They purchased a second-hand bicycle for their son.
  • The Committee, however, is proposing that buyers and vendors should be able to impose contractual restrictions on second-hand articles.
  • That cake shop... is now a second-hand CD store.
  • Subject: Prosecution following the purchase of a second-hand mobile phone
  • The directive will apply to new products only and thus excludes those already in use or on the second-hand market.
  • A second-hand account of a dream.
  • Instead of some dusty podunk in a second-hand jacket falling apart at the seams.
  • Here's Yohei, from the second-hand clothes shop.
  • So, you sold second-hand tea to natives.
  • Plenty of money, no more second-hand junk to fly.
  • Instead of some dusty podunk in a second-hand jacket falling apart at the seams.
  • But I'm a second-hand dealer.
  • I have spent my last day abed hearing... second-hand news from imbeciles.
  • She goes to old bookshops and buys second-hand books.
  • Otherwise, I'd probably be cleaning baby puke off some second-hand couch somewhere in central Florida.
  • A lot of second-hand accounts and speculation.
  • Not only is there no law against selling second-hand taxis, it's easy and cheap.
  • I'll have Garcia look into local vintage and second-hand shops.
  • I found a book in a second-hand shop.
  • According to a non-sampled importer households have become smaller over the last decades and dispose of unnecessary items via flea markets, web auctions or other forms of second-hand markets.
  • Subject: VAT on imported second-hand vehicles in Malta

Alternatives:

  • pre-owned
  • used
  • hand-me-down
  • preloved
  • recycled

second hand

This is correct. "Second hand" is used as a noun to refer to the hand on a clock or watch.

Use "second hand" when referring to the hand on a clock or watch that indicates seconds.
  • It's no second hand store.
  • It is therefore necessary to clarify those rules and in particular the placing of such wood on the second hand market.
  • The second hand is not moving.
  • I don't know why I'm looking at my watch - there's no second hand.
  • I checked your second hand value, on the internet, if you're interested.
  • When the second hand reaches the corresponding section - the sender presses the button.
  • This Directive should only restrict new products and should not apply to products already in use or on the second hand market.
  • The present directive should only restrict new products and should not apply to products already in use or on the second hand market.
  • Except in the case of fire-fighting foams, this Directive should only restrict new products and should not apply to products already in use or on the second hand market.
  • The ban would in any case only apply to new mercury barometers, while those already in use and on the second hand market could still be sold, repaired and maintained.
  • The second hand moves with a fluid sweep and above it... "Accutron Time."
  • may be placed on the second hand market subject to the conditions pertaining to its use listed under point 4(b), (c) and (d).
  • (5) The products containing PFOS should also be restricted in order to protect the environment. The present directive should only restrict new products and should not apply to products already in use or on the second hand market.
  • Kids, ask for the junior Chaque heure with the second hand in the shape of a little worm!
  • No, it's second hand.
  • Expenditure on second hand machinery is not eligible
  • Then there is the issue of the second hand market.
  • The second hand doesn't sweep.
  • But my son says once married is like second hand only.
  • They were both in love with the second hand.

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