over and over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over and over" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express the idea of repeating something multiple times. For example, "I've read that book over and over again, and I still can't get enough of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Antoine wonders, over and over.

The New York Times - Books

I saw it over and over again.

The New York Times

I did it over and over again.

The New Yorker

"We hear it over and over".

The New York Times - Travel

He did that over and over again.

The New Yorker

Repeat it over and over again.

The New Yorker

They practice them over and over again.

The New York Times

I got lucky, over and over".

The New York Times

"It was debated over and over again.

The New York Times

This figure gets repeated over and over.

Forbes

Over and over and over and over and over again.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "over and over" to emphasize the repetitive nature of an action or event, making it clear that it happens frequently or continuously. For variety, consider using synonyms like "repeatedly" or "again and again".

Common error

While "over and over" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "repeatedly", "frequently", or rephrasing the sentence to emphasize the outcome of the repetition rather than the repetition itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over and over" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate repetition. As Ludwig confirms, it correctly describes actions or events that occur repeatedly. Examples show its usage in describing repeated actions in both narrative and instructional contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

63%

Reference

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "over and over" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that effectively conveys the repetition of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts, particularly in news articles and instructional guides. While versatile, it's essential to be mindful of potential overuse and consider employing synonyms like "repeatedly" or "again and again" to enhance writing style. As shown in the examples, this expression is widely used to describe various situations from practicing a skill to repeating a message. Be careful to not overuse it, as it can lead to a monotonous tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over and over again

More emphatic version of the original phrase, adds redundancy for emphasis.

again and again

Common alternative emphasizing multiple instances of an action.

time and again

Idiomatic expression for repeated occurrences.

time after time

Variant emphasizing the sequential nature of repetitions.

repeatedly

Single word replacement indicating action done multiple times.

numerous times

Highlights the large quantity of repetitions.

constantly

Highlights uninterrupted or very frequent repetition.

frequently

Single word emphasizing the high number of occurences.

incessantly

Single word that indicates something that continues without stopping.

on multiple occasions

Formal alternative, focuses on separate instances.

FAQs

How can I use "over and over" in a sentence?

You can use "over and over" to describe something that is repeated many times. For example, "I told him "again and again" not to touch it, but he kept doing it "over and over"".

What is a synonym for "over and over"?

Synonyms for "over and over" include "repeatedly", "again and again", and "time and again". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it redundant to say "over and over again"?

Yes, saying "over and over again" is technically redundant as "over and over" already implies repetition. However, the addition of "again" can provide extra emphasis.

When is it best to use "over and over" in writing?

Use "over and over" when you want to emphasize the repetitive nature of an action or event. It's particularly effective when the repetition is excessive, annoying, or has a significant impact. Be mindful not to overuse it, as doing so can reduce its impact.