Repetition in Writing receives a topic-specific treatment on this page.
Drafting repetition
Writers often rediscover the same idea several times in a first draft.
Topic sentences
A paragraph may restate its opening instead of developing it.
Transitions
Every paragraph may begin with the same connective.
Revision
Assign each paragraph one job.
Read aloud
Repeated cadence is often easier to hear than see.
Frequently asked questions
What does battologize mean?
To repeat words, phrases, or ideas excessively and tiresomely.
Is all repetition bad?
No. Deliberate repetition can create emphasis, rhythm, structure, or memory.
What is battology?
The noun for needless or wearisome repetition.
How do I fix repetitive writing?
Keep the strongest version and remove restatements that add nothing new.
Is battologize a real word?
Yes. It is an established but uncommon English verb.