it repeats itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it repeats itself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, event, or pattern that occurs again in the same manner as before. Example: "History often shows that certain events tend to repeat themselves, highlighting the importance of learning from the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Like its characters, it repeats itself at length.

The New York Times

"Hollywood Ending" has its satirical charms, but it repeats itself remorselessly, and it has no emotional center.

The New Yorker

Instead, it repeats itself.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We don't read history because it repeats itself.

Harvard Business Review

Moreover, the narrative is bewildering because it repeats itself frequently.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Right place at the right time, and I just hope it repeats itself.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It repeated itself in waves, broken only, Eriksson assumed, by Mao's need to summon fresh breath.

The New Yorker

(A great many of them would like to see the aunt return, in some form; anything to loosen jazz up, to make it repeat itself less often, to make it less cowed and awed by its own history).

The New York Times - Arts

Sky are off to the cricket once Barcelona have finished imposing their latest hiding, but I'm not there with the tennis - does it repeated itself any more than cricket?

The Guardian - Sport

If evolution started all over again, would it repeat itself?

Science Magazine

May we learn from recent history, lest it repeat itself ad nauseam.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "it repeats itself" to clearly indicate that a pattern, event, or situation is recurring. This is particularly effective when analyzing historical trends, behavioral patterns, or cyclical processes.

Common error

Avoid using "it repeats itself" multiple times in the same paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms like "recurs", "replicates", or "happens again" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it repeats itself" functions as a statement indicating the recurrence of an event, pattern, or behavior. It is often used to describe cyclical processes or predictable sequences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it repeats itself" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe recurring patterns or events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions primarily to inform or emphasize that something is happening again, often implying a sense of inevitability. While its register is generally neutral, it appears frequently in news media and academic contexts. To avoid redundancy, consider using synonyms like "recurs" or "replicates". Remember that while "history repeats itself" is a common saying, "it repeats itself" has broader applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it recurs

Focuses on the act of happening again, often implying a cyclical nature.

it happens again

A more general way of saying something occurs more than once.

it replicates

Emphasizes the duplication or reproduction of something.

it reiterates

Implies a restatement or repetition for clarity or emphasis.

it duplicates itself

Highlights the self-replication aspect.

it mirrors itself

Suggests a reflection or close similarity in the repeated occurrence.

it echoes

Emphasizes a resonant or suggestive repetition.

it comes around again

Indicates a cyclical return or reappearance.

it regresses

Implies returning to a previous state or pattern.

it is cyclical

Highlights the circular nature of repetition.

FAQs

How can I use "it repeats itself" in a sentence?

You can use "it repeats itself" to describe recurring patterns or events. For example, "History often shows that certain events tend to "repeat themselves", highlighting the importance of learning from the past."

What are some alternatives to "it repeats itself"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it recurs", "it happens again", or "it replicates", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it repeats itself"?

Yes, the phrase "it repeats itself" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules for subject-verb agreement and reflexive pronouns.

What is the difference between "it repeats itself" and "history repeats itself"?

"It repeats itself" is a general statement about recurrence, while "history repeats itself" is a specific assertion about historical events. The former can apply to various contexts, whereas the latter is confined to historical analysis.