40 Repeated Phrases in English You Should Know

Repeated phrases like bit by bit, again and again, or shoulder to shoulder are part of natural English. This article explores 40+ common, useful expressions that add rhythm, clarity, and fluency to your writing and speaking. Master them for a more authentic voice.

I. What Are Repeated Phrases in English?

Repeated phrases in English are word combinations where the same or similar elements appear in a structured, rhythmic way—often enhancing clarity, emphasis, and memorability. These expressions are not mistakes or redundancy. On the contrary, they’re an essential part of natural, idiomatic English.

Typically, repeated phrases follow patterns like:

• Word + and + word (e.g., again and again, more and more)

• Word + by + word (e.g., step by step, bit by bit)

• Word + to + word (e.g., face to face, toe to toe)

These patterns are found everywhere—from everyday conversations to business presentations, from storytelling to journalism. They play a vital role in helping speakers:

• Emphasize an idea naturally

• Add rhythm and cohesion to their speech or writing

• Create a tone that is more emotional, persuasive, or memorable

It’s important to distinguish between useful repetition—which serves a communicative or stylistic function—and careless repetition due to limited vocabulary. This article focuses on the former: the useful, accepted, and often beautiful repeated phrases that help learners sound more fluent and natural.

In many cases, improving sentence structure through proper word order in English can help reduce unnecessary repetition without losing clarity.

II. Common Repeated Phrases in English Writing

In the table below, you'll find a curated list of useful repeated phrases. Some of these phrases have become fixed expressions through frequent use in both spoken and written English. They are especially helpful in narrative writing, dialogue, persuasive texts, and informal communication, but many are also suitable for emails, opinion paragraphs, and public speaking.

Many repeated expressions also appear in figurative usage, such as those found in idioms about time.

III. Repetition in English Writing: Common Mistakes to Avoid

While repeated phrases can enrich English writing by adding rhythm, emphasis, or natural flow, it's important to understand the fine line between useful repetition and unnecessary duplication. Not all repetition is stylistically helpful. In fact, when overused or misused, it can make writing feel dull, simplistic, or lacking in vocabulary range.

In formal writing—especially in academic, exam, or professional contexts—certain types of repetition may be seen as weak or redundant. Learners should know how to distinguish between fixed phrases that carry meaning (such as step by step or heart to heart), and accidental repetition of the same word or idea due to habit or limited vocabulary.

• Repeating single words too often
  Example (ineffective): It is very important to study very hard during very important exams.
  Better: It is crucial to study hard during high-stakes exams.

• Using vague repeated expressions instead of precise ones
  Overuse: a lot of, very good, nice, important
  Alternatives: extensive, excellent, impressive, essential

• Repeating sentence structures without variation
  When all sentences start the same way, the writing becomes mechanical.
  Tip: Vary transitions and opening phrases to make your writing more engaging.

• Trying to create repetition for emphasis—but overdoing it
  Emphasis should feel purposeful, not forced.
  Example (awkward): He was sad, sad, sad.
  Better: He felt a deep, growing sadness he couldn't hide.

While these mistakes are common among learners, they're also easy to fix with awareness and targeted practice. Don’t be afraid of repetition—just use it wisely. Learn to keep the powerful, expressive phrases (like little by little or again and again), and reduce the habit-driven, unintentional lặp lại that doesn’t add much value.

Misuse of similar reference words is common, which is why understanding structures like one another, other, the other, others is essential.

IV. Exercise on repeated words in English

The best way to learn and remember repeated phrases is through real-world usage and contextual practice. The exercises below are designed to help you recognize the meaning and tone of these expressions, apply them naturally in sentences, and use them comfortably in writing as well as conversation.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct repeated phrase to complete each sentence.

Word bank: bit by bit, again and again, step by step, more and more, little by little

1. She followed the instructions __________ and completed the sculpture in time.

2. The teacher explained the rule __________ until the whole class understood.

3. __________, his confidence grew as he practiced public speaking.

4. __________, the problem began to solve itself as we stayed calm and focused.

5. Online learning is becoming __________ popular among adult students.

Exercise 2: Match the Phrase with Its Meaning

Match each repeated phrase on the left with its correct meaning on the right.

Answers

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By practicing with phrases like these, you not only improve your vocabulary and fluency—you also sound more authentic and confident when using English in real life. Don’t shy away from repetition when it adds rhythm, emphasis, or clarity.

When used deliberately, repetition can work alongside figurative devices like English metaphor to enhance expressive writing.

PREP hopes that through the article above, you have grasped the meaning of repeated words in English and completed the exercise provided. Let’s follow PREP regularly to stay updated on helpful English knowledge!