English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
Without article “a”
Playing games is a child’s play (nonstandard).
Playing games is child’s play (standard).
I wanted to stay back but on a second thought, I went with them (nonstandard).
I wanted to stay back but on second thoughts, I went with them.
Note that British say “on second thoughts” while Americans say “on second thought” but both variants don’t attract article “a”. However, when “without” precedes “second thought” to mean immediately, it takes “a”: He jumped at the offer without a second thought.
That’s not a news to me (nonstandard).
That’s not news to me (standard).
GAB
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