repel it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "repel it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of driving something away or resisting an unwanted force or influence. Example: "The new security measures are designed to repel it, ensuring that unauthorized access is prevented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Initially, he asserts that fortune resembles "one of our destructive rivers which, when it is angry, turns the plains into lakes, throws down the trees and buildings, takes earth from one spot, puts it in another; everyone flees before the flood; everyone yields to its fury and nowhere can repel it".

SEP

They can store water or repel it.

The New York Times - Books

From the looks of things, it will not be easy to repel it.

The New York Times

He had no place to put it and, as always, no armor to repel it.

The New York Times - Magazine

But, since atomic nuclei are positively charged, and like charges repel, it is a hard trick to pull off.

The Economist

But, since atomic nuclei are positively charged, and like charges repel, it is a difficult stunt to pull off.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Each time we repelled it with rocks and noise.

The New York Times - Travel

He knew all about it, had felt the attraction, tried it even, but repelled it.

The Guardian - Books

"Azerbaijanis are attempting to attack but are being repelled," it said.

The Guardian

58th over: England 226-5 Cairns begins with a slower ball; Thorpe repels it.

The Guardian - Sport

The rebel faction also attacked Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, last year, but the government repelled it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "repel it" when referring to a specific, identifiable entity or force. For instance, "The shield is designed to repel the attack" is preferable to "The shield is designed to repel attacks" if you're talking about a single, defined attack.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "repel it" with abstract nouns like "fear" or "doubt" can sound awkward. Instead, consider alternatives like "overcome it", "resist it", or "suppress it" for a more natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "repel it" functions as a verb phrase where "repel" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object, and "it" serves as the pronoun representing that object. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this structure is commonly used to describe the action of pushing something away or resisting an unwanted force.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "repel it" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, especially in news, media and wiki articles. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is used correctly in a variety of contexts. It functions as a verb phrase describing an action taken to push something away or resist an unwanted force. While suitable for both physical and abstract concepts, avoid using "repel it" with other abstract nouns. Alternatives like "fend it off" or "ward it off" can add nuance depending on the context. The phrase enjoys a neutral to formal register, with its specific tone largely dictated by the source material in which it appears.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fend it off

Emphasizes active defense against an ongoing attack or threat. It suggests a struggle or effort to keep something away.

ward it off

Implies preventing something negative from happening, often through precautionary measures or protective actions. It's slightly more formal than "fend it off".

fight it off

Suggests a more direct and forceful resistance against something, highlighting the struggle and determination involved.

drive it away

Focuses on causing something to depart or disappear, often implying a successful effort to remove an unwanted presence.

hold it back

Implies restraining or preventing something from advancing, emphasizing control and containment.

keep it at bay

Suggests maintaining a safe distance from something threatening or undesirable, highlighting the effort to avoid contact.

deflect it

Focuses on redirecting something away from a target, emphasizing the act of changing its course or impact.

resist it

Indicates opposition or refusal to yield to something, highlighting the strength and determination involved.

counter it

Suggests taking action to neutralize or offset something, emphasizing a strategic response to an opposing force.

block it

Implies obstructing or preventing something from passing through or reaching a destination, emphasizing a barrier or obstacle.

FAQs

How can I use "repel it" in a sentence?

You can use "repel it" to describe the action of driving something back or away. For example, "The immune system works to repel invading pathogens" or "The army managed to repel the enemy attack".

What are some synonyms for "repel it"?

Alternatives to "repel it" include "fend it off", "ward it off", "fight it off", or "drive it away". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "repel it" or "repel them"?

The choice between "repel it" and "repel them" depends on whether you are referring to a singular or plural entity. Use "repel it" for a single thing and "repel them" for multiple things.

What's the difference between "repel it" and "avoid it"?

"Repel it" implies actively pushing something away, while "avoid it" simply means staying away from something. Repelling requires action, while avoiding may involve passive measures.