time after time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'time after time' is correct and usable in written English.
Generally speaking, the phrase 'time after time' is used to mean 'repeatedly' or 'on numerous occasions'. For example, "He has been late to work time after time, and now his boss is considering letting him go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Time after time.

The New Yorker

Time after time, we are disappointed.

The New York Times

They defied political gravity time after time.

The Guardian

Time after time, love lets her down.

The New York Times - Books

I found myself jolted time after time.

Independent

"It's happened time after time after time," he said.

The New York Times

"It happened time after time.

The Guardian - Books

And so we do, time after time.

The New York Times

"Time after time you'll lose out".

The New York Times

Time after time they were penalised.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A pattern was set: time-after-time he was selected; time-after-time, he had an injury.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time after time" to emphasize the repeated nature of an event or action. This phrase is more impactful than simply stating something happened "repeatedly".

Common error

While "time after time" is a valid phrase, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "repeatedly" or "again and again" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time after time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the repeated occurrence of an action or event. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "time after time" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote repeated occurrences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in various contexts, primarily found in News & Media, and serves to emphasize the repetitive nature of events. While versatile, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "repeatedly" or "again and again" to maintain writing dynamism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeatedly

A single-word adverb emphasizing the repeated nature of an action, offering a more concise alternative.

again and again

Similar in meaning, but uses a slightly more emphatic construction to convey frequency.

over and over

Implies a monotonous or tedious repetition.

frequently

A formal adverb denoting regular occurrence.

on numerous occasions

A more formal and descriptive way of indicating repeated instances.

many times

A simple and direct way of expressing that something has happened more than once.

in many instances

A more formal way to point out multiple occurrences, often used in analytical writing.

on several occasions

Suggests more than a few, but not necessarily countless, repetitions.

day after day

Implies a consecutive repetition, often related to routines or persistent situations.

year after year

Indicates repetition across multiple years, implying long-term recurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "time after time" in a sentence?

Use "time after time" to emphasize the repetition of an action or event. For example, "Time after time, he failed to complete the project on schedule."

What can I say instead of "time after time"?

You can use alternatives like "repeatedly", "again and again", or "on numerous occasions depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "time and time again" instead of "time after time"?

Yes, "time and time again" is a valid alternative to "time after time" and carries the same meaning.

What's the difference between "time after time" and "every time"?

"Time after time" emphasizes the repetitive nature of an event across multiple instances. "Every time" simply indicates that something occurs each instance a condition is met, without necessarily implying repetition over a long period.