Time after time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Time after time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something happens repeatedly or consistently over time. Example: "She proved her loyalty time after time, always being there when I needed her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Time after time.

The New Yorker

Time after time, we are disappointed.

The New York Times

Time after time, love lets her down.

The New York Times - Books

"Time after time you'll lose out".

The New York Times

Time after time they were penalised.

The Guardian - Sport

Time after time, she zoomed past the other runners.

The New York Times - Sports

Time after time, the Nationals wasted those chances on Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Time after time, the AU Lean burgers won.

The New Yorker

Time after time, the defense lawyers raised the same issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Time after time she got a curt: "No children".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A pattern was set: time-after-time he was selected; time-after-time, he had an injury.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Time after time" to emphasize the frustrating or surprising nature of repeated events. For example, "Time after time, the team failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities."

Common error

Avoid using "Time after time" too frequently in the same piece of writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "repeatedly" or "again and again."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Time after time" is as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the frequency or repetition of an action. Ludwig's examples illustrate this function, showing how it emphasizes the recurrence of an event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Huffington Post

15%

The Guardian

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Time after time" is a commonly used adverbial phrase indicating that something happens repeatedly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, with examples predominantly from news and media sources. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "again and again" or "repeatedly" can provide variety. While generally neutral in tone, the context and specific synonyms may change its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Time and again

The alternative is very similar but places more emphasis on the enduring nature of the repetition.

Again and again

This alternative is a more direct and common way to express repetition, suitable for informal contexts.

Repeatedly

This alternative offers a more formal and concise way to indicate that something happens more than once.

Over and over

This alternative phrase emphasizes the continuous nature of the repetition.

Many times

This is a simpler and more straightforward alternative.

Frequently

This alternative is more general, simply indicating that something happens often without necessarily implying direct repetition.

Recurrently

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the cyclical nature of the repetition.

On numerous occasions

This alternative provides a more formal and elaborate way of saying something happened repeatedly.

Consistently

This alternative emphasizes the unchanging nature of the action or event.

Habitually

This alternative suggests that the repeated action is a matter of habit or routine.

FAQs

What does "Time after time" mean?

The phrase "Time after time" means repeatedly or again and again. It emphasizes that something happens on multiple occasions.

How can I use "Time after time" in a sentence?

You can use "Time after time" to show that something happens regularly. For example: "Time after time, he missed the deadline."

What are some alternatives to saying "Time after time"?

Alternatives to "Time after time" include "again and again", "repeatedly", or "over and over". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "Time after time"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "Time after time" can make your writing sound monotonous. Using varied vocabulary, like "frequently" or "on numerous occasions", can enhance clarity and impact.