In high school, I was second to none in math.

[alpacinou]

I want to say someone/something is the best when compared to others. Can I use "second to none"? Are these correct and natural?

1. I've always had a good head for math. In high school, I was second to none in math.
2. For me, Sunday Roast is second to none. It's my absolute favorite food.
3. His ability to maintain his composure under pressure is second to none. I think that's what makes him a great athlete.
4. Sara's business acumen is second to none. She took an ailing company and turned it into an economic powerhouse.
5. Is there something you would say you're second-to-none in? For instance, would you say you are second to none in cooking?

 

[Tarheel]

I want to say someone/something is the best when compared to others. Can I use "second to none"? Are these correct and natural?

1. I've always had a good head for math. In high school, I was second to none at math.
2. For me, Sunday Roast is second to none. It's my absolute favorite food.
3. His ability to maintain his composure under pressure is second to none. I think that's what makes him a great athlete.
4. Sara's business acumen is second to none. She took an ailing company and turned it into an economic powerhouse.
5. Is there something you would say you're second-to-none at? For instance, would you say you are second to none at cooking?

I would say she turned a failing business into a moneymaker, but your version is OK.

 

[alpacinou]

Could British speakers also comment? Is it common in British English?

 

[5jj]

It's reasonably common in BrE.

 

[alpacinou]

It's reasonably common in BrE.

Would you say the five examples I've written in post.1 are correct and natural?

 

[Rover_KE]

In BE we'd say 'maths' instead of 'math'.

 

[alpacinou]

In BE we'd say 'maths' instead of 'math'.

1. I've always had a good head for maths. In high school, I was second to none at maths.
2. For me, Sunday Roast is second to none. It's my absolute favorite food.
3. His ability to maintain his composure under pressure is second to none. I think that's what makes him a great athlete.
4. Sara's business acumen is second to none. She took an ailing company and turned it into an economic powerhouse.
5. Is there something you would say you're second-to-none at? For instance, would you say you are second to none at cooking?

 

[emsr2d2]

@alpacinou I can see that you've changed "math" to "maths" in sentence 1 (there was no need to do so as you had added "Like" to Rover's post). However, why have you posted sentences 2 to 5 again?

 

[alpacinou]

@alpacinou I can see that you've changed "math" to "maths" in sentence 1 (there was no need to do so as you had added "Like" to Rover's post). However, why have you posted sentences 2 to 5 again?

I wanted to have all the correct sentences in one post.

 

[emsr2d2]

I wanted to have all the correct sentences in one post.

That just takes up space in a thread. Please post only what's absolutely necessary.

 

[Barque]

I was second to none in math.

It'd be more natural to use " at it" instead of repeating the word "math".

For me, Sunday Roast is second to none.

I'd expect "a Sunday roast".

 

[5jj]

i wouldn't.