Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's a repeat performance
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
it's happening again
the cycle continues
here we go again
not again
the situation recurs
history repeats itself
the problem lingers
the status quo remains
it occurs again
it happens always
it happens constantly
it happens even
the controversy continues
it happens repeatedly
it repeats itself
it happens twice
the tradition continues
it occurs once more
it happens once
it recurs
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
It's a repeat performance of sorts, since Mr. Olbermann had famously bad relationships with his bosses at ESPN and, later, at MSNBC, where he worked for eight years before joining Current last year.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Although there were fewer killings that day than there were at Tlatelolco in 1968, Mexico's most notorious student massacre, in many ways it was a repeat performance: the government had violently suppressed students.
News & Media
"When she came before this committee, it was a repeat performance".
News & Media
The other took its first step toward what it hopes is a repeat performance this summer.
News & Media
For Iraqi President Saddam Hussein Saddam Hussein, it would be a repeat performance, though on a larger scale, of the orders he gave his military forces as they retreated from Kuwait in 1991.
News & Media
The firm's role in Unicover was a repeat performance of sorts.
News & Media
But it was clear that this would not be a repeat performance for Georgia Tech (23-9).
News & Media
Christ's second coming would not be a repeat performance but a final curtain call at the end of time.
News & Media
A non-Kowroski highlight promises to be a repeat performance tomorrow afternoon of Christopher Wheeldon's new "Morphoses," a Diamond Project dance for Wendy Whelan, Alexandra Ansanelli, Jock Soto and Damian Woetzel.
News & Media
So what Labour wanted was a repeat performance.
News & Media
"The last thing the economy needs is a repeat performance.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it's a repeat performance" when you want to concisely convey that something is happening again in a similar way to how it happened before. It works well when the audience is already familiar with the original event.
Common error
Don't use "it's a repeat performance" when you simply want to indicate that something is happening again, without necessarily implying a strong similarity to a previous event. In such cases, consider alternatives like "it's happening again" or "it's recurring".
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it's a repeat performance" functions as a nominal phrase, typically used as a subject complement or predicate nominative. It describes a situation or event as being a recurrence or duplication of something that has happened before. Ludwig provides examples of this use across various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
90%
Academia
7%
Formal & Business
3%
Less common in
Science
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "it's a repeat performance" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a recurring event or situation. Its function is to emphasize the duplication or mirroring of a previous occurrence, often implying familiarity or predictability. It appears frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for broad communication. According to Ludwig's analysis, the phrase aligns with standard grammar rules and is widely understood. However, it is important to consider the nuances of its usage, particularly in differentiating it from simple recurrences that don't necessarily imply a strong similarity to a past event.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it's happening again
This alternative directly states that the event is recurring.
history is repeating itself
This phrase suggests a broader historical pattern is being replicated.
it's a recurring event
This option highlights the recurrent nature of the event.
it's the same thing all over again
This phrase emphasizes the monotony or familiarity of the repeated event.
it's a familiar scenario
This alternative focuses on the recognizable nature of the situation.
it's a carbon copy
This suggests an exact duplication of the original.
it's a replay of events
Highlights the fact that the same series of events are occurring again.
it's echoing what happened before
This alternative implies a resonance or similarity to a previous event.
it's mirroring previous actions
This suggests that current actions are reflecting or imitating earlier ones.
it's revisiting the past
This option highlights a return to or repetition of past circumstances.
FAQs
What does "it's a repeat performance" mean?
The phrase "it's a repeat performance" means that something is happening again in a similar way to how it happened before, implying a recurrence or duplication of an event or action.
How can I use "it's a repeat performance" in a sentence?
You can use the phrase "it's a repeat performance" to describe a situation where something is recurring, such as "The team's victory was so dominant, "it's a repeat performance" from last year's championship game".
What can I say instead of "it's a repeat performance"?
You can use alternatives like "it's happening again", "history is repeating itself", or "it's a recurring event" depending on the context.
When is it appropriate to use "it's a repeat performance"?
It's appropriate to use "it's a repeat performance" when you want to emphasize that a current event is closely mirroring or duplicating a previous one, often implying a sense of familiarity or predictability. If you simply want to indicate a general recurrence, it may not be as suitable, and the alternatives such as "it's happening again" may be better.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested