for the tenth time

USAGE SUMMARY

"for the tenth time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that something has happened multiple times. For example: "I've asked you for the tenth time: please put your toys away!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Aces cracked for the tenth time in a night?

The Guardian - Opinion

A week before she died, she read "My Ántonia" for the tenth time.

The New Yorker

I have just put Joe back to bed for the tenth time.

The Guardian

Yesterday, after I typed out "WWI" for the tenth time, it started to look very … wrong.

The New Yorker

I took a deep breath, checked my harness for the tenth time, then ran towards the edge of the cliff.

The Guardian - Travel

To help out, the supposedly independent Central Bank cut interest rates for the tenth time since October.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

For the second time.

The New York Times

"Not for the first time".

The New Yorker

For the first time, the W.H.O.

The New Yorker

for the first time since the early 1990s.

The New York Times

He shaved for the first time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the tenth time" to emphasize the repeated nature of an action, creating a sense of urgency, frustration, or persistence.

Common error

Avoid using "for the tenth time" when the actual number of repetitions is unknown or irrelevant. Instead, opt for alternatives like "repeatedly" or "frequently" if the specific count isn't important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the tenth time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate frequency. It specifies the number of times an action has been repeated, adding emphasis and detail. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the tenth time" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase that effectively emphasizes the repetition of an action or event. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for diverse contexts and registers, though it is most common in news media and academic settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of its impact, as it can convey frustration or impatience. If the specific number of repetitions is unknown or irrelevant, consider using alternatives such as "repeatedly" or "frequently". Ludwig's examples show the varied ways to communicate using the expression and how it emphasizes the persistence of actions across communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeatedly

This alternative provides a general indication of repeated action without specifying a number.

on numerous occasions

Implies many instances of something happening but lacks the numerical precision of the original phrase.

time and time again

Expresses recurrence, but it's more emphatic and less precise.

over and over

Similar to "time and time again", but slightly less formal.

again and again

This phrase signifies that something happened multiple times without being exact.

numerous times

Indicates multiple occurrences, but it is not as specific as the original phrase.

time after time

Implies the same thing happens over a certain duration.

frequently

Indicates high occurrence but doesn't specify the number of repetitions.

on several occasions

Denotes more than a few times, but less emphasis on repeated behavior.

countless times

Indicates many repeated instances but not an exact quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "for the tenth time" in a sentence?

You can use "for the tenth time" to emphasize repeated actions or requests. For example, "I've asked you "for the tenth time": please clean your room!"

What can I say instead of "for the tenth time"?

You can use alternatives like "repeatedly", "on numerous occasions", or "time and time again", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "for the tenth time" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "for the tenth time" can sound informal or accusatory. In formal writing, consider using a more neutral phrase like "on several occasions" or "repeatedly".

What's the difference between "for the tenth time" and "for the first time"?

"For the tenth time" emphasizes repetition, while "for the first time" indicates a novel experience. They represent opposite ends of the frequency spectrum.