ENGLISH
REFERENCE

repeatedly

adv. freq.
B1 Intermediate US //ɹɪˈpitɪdɫi// UK //ɹɪpˈiːtɪdli// re·peat·ed·ly

adv. doing something many times or over and over again. You use this when an action happens more than once in a short period.

adv. occurring many times in constant succession. Often used to emphasize the persistence or frequency of an action.


SIMPLE

He knocked repeatedly on the door until someone answered.

CONTEXTUAL

The software crashed repeatedly during the update, forcing the IT team to restart the entire process.

COMPLEX

Despite being warned repeatedly about the security risks, the department continued to use outdated protocols that left the network vulnerable to external attacks.

Origin

From repeated + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause; can also appear before the main verb for emphasis.

Pitfall

He repeatedly did knock on the doorHe repeatedly knocked on the doorWhen placed before the verb, it should sit between the subject and the main verb, not before an auxiliary used for simple emphasis.

© 2026 English Reference