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Grammar fix

time and again

repeatedly / emphasising frequency

Used to emphasise that something happens many times, often with the sense that it keeps happening despite efforts to change it.

expressionC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Time and again, he forgot to lock the door before leaving the house.daily life
  • Time and again, people underestimate how much effort it takes to learn a new language. In my experience, it’s not just about memorising words; you really need to practise regularly to make progress.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: time and again, [clause] / [subject] [verb] time and again

WrongI told him time and time.

RightI told him time and again. / time and time again.

The set phrase is 'time and again' (or 'time and time again') — not 'time and time'.

Patterntime and again, [clause] / [subject] [verb] time and again

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff On numerous separate occasions, this has been demonstrated to be the case.

Natural Time and again, we've seen this happen.

'Time and again' is the natural emphatic phrase for 'repeatedly'; the paraphrase is flat.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • time and again
    toldprovenhappenswarned

Don't confuse it

'Time and again' is more emphatic and slightly more formal than 'again and again', and is used to highlight persistence or repetition, often with a sense of frustration or inevitability.

Try it in Daily Speak →