Repeat Again or Repeat? Which One Is Correct
Quick Answer
The correct form is "repeat" without "again."
"Repeat" means "to do or say something again." Adding "again" is redundant.
Explanation
The verb "repeat" already contains the meaning of "again." The prefix "re-" means "again," so "repeat again" literally means "say again again."
repeat = re- (again) + -peat (from Latin "petere" = to seek/say)
This error is called a tautology - unnecessary repetition of meaning using different words.
Examples
βCould you repeat that, please?
βPlease repeat after me.
βWe don't want to repeat the same mistake.
βCould you repeat again, please?
Similar Redundancies to Avoid
- return back β return
- revert back β revert
- free gift β gift (gifts are free by definition)
- close proximity β proximity
- past history β history
- unexpected surprise β surprise
When Can You Use "Again"?
Use "again" with verbs that don't already mean "again":
- β Say it again.
- β Do it again.
- β Try again.
- β Come again?
Common Mistake
Incorrect: I didn't understand. Can you repeat it again?
Correct: I didn't understand. Can you repeat it?
Also correct: I didn't understand. Can you say it again?
Practice
Fix the sentence:
"The teacher asked the students to repeat the exercise again."