Repetitive word choice creates monotonous prose that loses reader attention. Strong writing varies vocabulary and sentence structure while maintaining clarity. Not all repetition is bad—technical terms and proper nouns should repeat for accuracy—but repeating common verbs, adjectives, and transitions within close proximity signals lazy writing.
Types of Problematic Repetition
What to Watch For
| Type | Example Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Verb repetition | "Said" 3x in 3 sentences | Vary: stated, announced, explained, noted |
| Adjective repetition | "Important" 3x in 1 paragraph | Vary: critical, pressing, priorities |
| Transition overuse | "However" 5x in 8 paragraphs | Vary: nevertheless, yet, in contrast |
| Generic nouns | "Thing," "issue," "problem" repeatedly | Use specific terms for what's being described |
| Opening repetition | 4 paragraphs start "The report shows" | Vary: According to, Researchers found, Data indicate |
Alternatives for "Said"
Attribution Verb Options
| Tone | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Neutral | stated, noted, added, commented, remarked |
| Explanatory | explained, clarified, described, outlined |
| Emphatic | emphasized, stressed, underscored, insisted |
| Contentious | argued, claimed, contended, asserted |
| Conciliatory | acknowledged, conceded, admitted, agreed |
| Questioning | asked, wondered, questioned, inquired |
Note: "Said" is neutral and often best. Vary when variety serves the prose, but don't force awkward synonyms.
How to Identify Repetition
- Read aloud: Your ear catches monotonous rhythm your eyes miss
- Search function: Count frequency of common words
- Highlight repeated words: Visual pattern reveals clustering
- Check paragraph openings: Note if multiple paragraphs start the same way
Revision Strategies
Methods to Fix Repetition
| Strategy | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Synonym substitution | "The problem...the problem...the problem" | "The issue...it...the systemic failure" |
| Sentence combining | "The council voted. The vote was unanimous." | "The council voted unanimously." |
| Pronoun use | "The mayor...the mayor...the mayor" | "The mayor...she...her" |
When Repetition Is Good
- Technical terms: Don't vary "plaintiff" to "suing party" for variety
- Proper nouns: Keep names consistent; don't confuse readers
- Deliberate emphasis: Repetition for rhetorical effect
- Clarity over variety: If synonym would confuse, keep the original
Frequently Asked Questions
How much repetition is too much?
Same word 3+ times in 3 consecutive sentences is usually problematic. Exception: technical terms and proper nouns.
Should I use a thesaurus?
Carefully—don't trade repetition for awkward synonyms. "Said" is better than "opined." Use synonyms only when they fit naturally.
Can AI help find repetitive words?
Yes, AI tools like River's Repetition Checker automatically identify overused words and suggest contextually appropriate synonyms.
Varied vocabulary keeps readers engaged. Use River's Repetition Checker to strengthen your prose.