Time and time again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Time and time again" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something happens repeatedly or frequently over a period of time. Example: "She has proven her dedication to the project time and time again, always going above and beyond to meet deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Time and time again, he has won seemingly unwinnable elections.

The New York Times

"Time and time again, those refugees were Jews.

Independent

Time and time again, Mitt has stepped forward".

The New York Times - Magazine

Time and time again.

Forbes

Time and time again that's been proven.

Forbes

"Time and time again she reported Watkins and time and time again she was ignored".

BBC

Time and time again, Belfiore chronicles NASA's inefficiency.

Forbes

Time and time again attendance disappoints.

Huffington Post

Time and time again, they find resilience.

Huffington Post

Time and time again, nothing would happen.

Vice

You hear that time and time again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Time and time again" to emphasize the repetitive nature of an event or action, adding weight to your statement.

Common error

While effective, "Time and time again" can become repetitive itself. Vary your language by using synonyms like "repeatedly" or "frequently" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Time and time again" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the repeated occurrence of an action or event. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Time and time again" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the repetitive nature of an event or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly employed in news and media, and while versatile, it's important to avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "repeatedly" or "frequently". It effectively underscores the persistence or recurrence of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Again and again

Mirrors the structure of the original phrase but with a slightly different flow.

Time after time

A close synonym maintaining the temporal aspect of the repeated events.

Time and again and again

This exaggerates the recurrence for emphasis.

Repeatedly

This alternative offers a more concise way to express the concept of something happening multiple times.

Again and once again

This amplifies the sense of recurrence.

Over and over

This option is slightly more informal but retains the emphasis on repeated occurrences.

Numerous times

Highlights the quantity of repetitions rather than the continuous nature.

On many occasions

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the number of instances.

Frequently

This denotes a high rate of occurrence, but without the specific implication of recurrence.

Often

Similar to "frequently" but may suggest a less intense rate of repetition.

FAQs

What does "Time and time again" mean?

The phrase "Time and time again" means repeatedly or frequently. It emphasizes that something happens multiple times.

How can I use "Time and time again" in a sentence?

You can use "Time and time again" to highlight the repetitive nature of an event. For example: "She has proven her dedication "time and time again" by consistently meeting deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "Time and time again"?

Alternatives to "Time and time again" include "repeatedly", "frequently", or "over and over".

Is it correct to say "Time and time again"?

Yes, "Time and time again" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English to indicate that something happens repeatedly.