Repetition can clarify meaning and move the writer and reader from one sentence or clause to another. One of the simplest and most valuable transitional devices for a writer is the repetition of a key word or phrase, sometimes in slightly altered form, from a preceding sentence or clause:

Examples:
- Five drug companies have been accused of misleading advertising. The first of these companies is . . .
- Critics tend to make too much of a fuss about symbols. Symbols are not obscure artistic tricks. Our own daily lives are filled with symbols.
- Few people want to be thought of as extremely conventional, but respect for conventions of some sort is necessary for any society to function adequately.

Repetition for Impact

Repetition can often add effective emotional impact:

Examples:
- Love bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- We've shrugged at scandals. We've shrugged at violence. We've shrugged at overpopulation and pollution and discrimination. Now it's time to stop shrugging.
- When she lost her husband, she lost her friend, lost her lover, lost her confidant. She lost everything that gave meaning to her life.
- The decision must be made this week--not this year, not this month, not early next week, but this week.

If not handled skillfully, repetition for impact can lead to unnecessary stress on the obvious:

Examples:
- It's important to plan ahead in writing. It's really, really important.
- Must cruel developers have their way forever? What of the flowers? What of the trees? What of the grass? What of the homeless birds and squirrels and rabbits?
- There is too much violence on television. Bang, bang, bang, bang--that's all we ever hear. Bang, bang, bang.

Undesirable Repetition of Meaning

Undesirable repetition or wordiness pertains to stating a point that is already sufficiently clear.

Examples:
- The American flag is red, white, and blue in color.
- She was remarkably beautiful. She was, in fact, quite exceptionally good-looking.
- The effect and outcome of all this was most unfortunate.
- In today's modern contemporary world . . .

Undesirable Repetition of the Same Word

Repetition of a word can be helpful. However, it can also be monotonous when the word itself is not crucial to the meaning of the sentence or paragraph. Words such as very, really, and interesting can make your writing tedious.

Examples:

• I am very pleased to be here on this very distinguished occasion.
• Your very kind remarks and your very generous gift have left me very much at a loss for words, but very deeply appreciative.
• I really enjoyed reading this story. It was a really exciting story with real people in real situations. The suspense was really terrific.
  
• We had a wonderful time in Florida. During the day we went swimming, and at night we saw some really interesting shows. The weather was great, the food was really just wonderful, and the sights were very interesting.

Do not use different forms of the same word through carelessness. This will create awkward sentences.

• The AFL-CIO is a well organized organization
• We had a wonderful time seeing the wonders of Florida
• The beauties of Shakespeare's sonnets are outstandingly beautiful.
• People must be made more aware of the need for increased awareness of their environment.

Do not repeat words in the same sentence if there is a change in the meaning of the word.

Examples:

• Only a dope will experiment with dope.
• Gary Player is an outstanding golf player.
• If I run hard, my nose will run.
• Our weekly games of bridge have helped build a friendly bridge of understanding between our two families.

Undesirable Repetition of Sounds

Avoid using rhyme in formal essays.

Examples:

• The condemnation of the administration was brought about by its own lack of ability and student hostility.
  
• The church is reexamining its position on the conditions of the mission.
  
• The Allied troops' defensive stance stopped the German advance into France.

  Avoid using alliteration or the repetition of sounds at the beginning of words.

• We must toss these sneering, snickering, swindling swine out of office.
• The orchestra's bold blowing of the basses thrilled me to the bottom of my being.

Do this exercise.