A second main reason VS the second main reason

[uktous]

Hi,


Question:
Do the comments for my sentence correct?



Sentence1:
I marry with my girlfriend.
One of the main reasons is that I like my girlfriend.
The second main reason is that she is good at cooking.

Sentence2:
I marry with my girlfriend.
One of the main reasons is that I like my girlfriend.
A second main reason is that she is good at cooking.



Comment for sentence1: Not sensible.
"One of the main reasons" suggests there're several main reasons, and we assume they are all of equal importance.
However, "the second main reason" suggests that the reason is second in rank.


Comment for sentence2: More sensible than 1.
"A second main reason" doesn't suggest that the reason is second in rank.



Thanks

[Abstract Idea]

Hi,

Sentence1:
I marry with my girlfriend.
One of the main reasons is that I like my girlfriend.
The second main reason is that she is good at cooking.

Sentence2:
I marry with my girlfriend.
One of the main reasons is that I like my girlfriend.
A second main reason is that she is good at cooking.



Comment for sentence1: Not sensible.
"One of the main reasons" suggests there're several main reasons, and we assume they are all of equal importance.
However, "the second main reason" suggests that the reason is second in rank.


Comment for sentence2: More sensible than 1.
"A second main reason" doesn't suggest that the reason is second in rank.



Thanks

I agree with your analysis.
"One of the main reasons is the fact that I like her."
Indeed it suggests there is more than one reason at the same level. But it doesn't imply these reasons are all in the same level, only suggests.
"The second main reason ... " suggests you have labeled the main reasons, the first, the second and so on.
"A second main reason ... " just picks one of the main reasons up.

However, personally I would not use the expressions you presented.
They sound confuse, and the listener has to perform all this analysis.
I would prefer to say simply:
"The main reason is the fact that I like her."
"Another important reason is the fact that she cooks well."
or "A second reason is the fact that she cooks well."

Not a native speaker

[mara_ce]

I marry with my girlfriend.
I'll marry my girlfriend.
I'll marry her.

m.

[Kondorosi]

Comment for sentence1:[/B] Not sensible.
"One of the main reasons" suggests there're several main reasons, and we assume they are all of equal importance.
However, "the second main reason" suggests that the reason is second in rank.

'second' means the second in a previously set up order. There is only one second reason. That is why the definite article is there. 'One of the reasons' does not involve place of order. Have I not answered this thread already once? Do you bump your threads?