What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recur
Example
The same issue seems to recur every year during budget season. [recur: verb]
Example
Her migraines have been recurring more frequently lately. [recurring: present participle]
repeat
Example
Can you repeat what you just said? I didn't catch it. [repeat: verb]
Example
The chorus repeats several times throughout the song. [repeats: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Repeat is more commonly used than recur in everyday language. Repeat is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while recur is less common and more formal, often used in technical or academic writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recur and repeat?
Recur is typically associated with a more formal tone, while repeat is used in both formal and informal contexts.
