like a mantra

USAGE SUMMARY

"like a mantra" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe something, usually a phrase or quote, that someone says repeatedly and almost like a ritual or chant. For example, "She repeated the same phrase, like a mantra, to keep herself motivated: 'I can do this!'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's like a mantra.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He repeats the word like a mantra.

The Guardian

Then he said, like a mantra: "We.

The New York Times

That should be repeated like a mantra.

The New York Times

It sounded like a mantra of the defeated.

The New York Times - Sports

Restoring confidence is a phrase repeated here like a mantra.

The New York Times

She repeated the word like a mantra: "Angry.

The Guardian

It's almost like a rhythm word — Like a mantra?

The New Yorker

Zone of safety.' It's like a mantra," she said.

The New York Times

"It was meditative, like a mantra," he said.

The New York Times

The word "respect" is repeated over and over again, like a mantra.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like a mantra" to effectively illustrate a repetitive action, phrase, or idea that's deeply ingrained or frequently repeated, conveying a sense of ritual or automaticity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "like a mantra" in close proximity within your writing. While effective, too frequent use can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive in an unintended way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a mantra" functions as a simile, comparing a repeated action, phrase, or idea to a mantra, suggesting a ritualistic or deeply ingrained quality. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like a mantra" is a simile used to describe something that is repeated frequently and consistently, often to the point of becoming ingrained or ritualistic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it effectively conveys the intended sense of repetition and ritual, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives such as "like a refrain" or "repeated ad nauseam" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over and over

A simple and direct way to indicate repetition without specific connotations.

like a refrain

Focuses on the repetitive nature of a song's chorus or a recurring idea.

constantly reiterated

Emphasizes the continuous restatement of an idea or fact.

like a broken record

Emphasizes the annoying or tedious aspect of constant repetition.

like a stuck record

Similar to "like a broken record", emphasizes a frustrating and unchanging repetition.

reiterated frequently

Focuses on the frequent restatement of an idea or message.

repeated ad nauseam

Highlights that the repetition is excessive and potentially irritating.

time and time again

Stresses the frequency and recurrence of an event or statement.

incessantly

Highlights the ceaseless nature of the repetition, implying something is constant and uninterrupted.

echoing endlessly

Suggests that something is reverberating, continuing indefinitely.

FAQs

How can I use "like a mantra" in a sentence?

Use "like a mantra" to describe something repeated frequently, almost ritually. For example, "The coach repeated the importance of teamwork, "like a mantra", before every game."

What's a good alternative to "like a mantra"?

Alternatives include "like a refrain", "repeated ad nauseam", or "over and over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "like a mantra" in formal writing?

Yes, "like a mantra" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing a recurring theme or message. However, be mindful of the context and audience to ensure it's the most effective choice.

What does it mean when someone says something is "like a mantra"?

Saying something is "like a mantra" suggests that it is repeated frequently and consistently, often to the point of becoming ingrained or automatic. It implies a ritualistic or deeply held belief.