Cool MateRepetition vs The same thing every time
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Repetition
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
The same thing every time
Top 2,000 (common)
| Repetition | The same thing every time | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˌrɛpɪˈtɪʃən//🇺🇸 //ˌrɛpɪˈtɪʃən// | 🇬🇧 //ðə seɪm θɪŋ ˈɛvri taɪm//🇺🇸 //ðə seɪm θɪŋ ˈɛvri taɪm// |
| Meaning | Doing something again and again. | Doing the exact same thing repeatedly |
| Example | Repetition is key to learning a new language. | He orders the same thing every time they go to that restaurant. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | memorize through repetition, learn by repetition, avoid repetition | same routine, same procedure, same results |
| Antonyms | variation, change | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'repeat', which is a verb., Using it in place of 'repetitive' as an adjective., Mispronouncing it or breaking it into too many syllables. | Confused with 'same old story' which implies a stereotype., Omitting 'the same thing' and using just 'every time'., Using it in questions without proper phrasing. |
| Usage notes | Used in educational contexts, often refers to practice for learning or training. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing teaching or training. | Use this phrase to express monotony or repetition. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but informal variations may exist. |
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Frequently asked questions: Repetition vs The same thing every time
What's the difference between Repetition and The same thing every time?
Repetition: Doing something again and again. The same thing every time: Doing the exact same thing repeatedly
Can you show an example of each?
Repetition: Repetition is key to learning a new language. The same thing every time: He orders the same thing every time they go to that restaurant.
Can I use Repetition and The same thing every time interchangeably?
Not always. Repetition and The same thing every time are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.