: Re: How much repetition of a word or phrase is too much? I like to experiment with rhetorical devices to add spice in my writing. Repetition can be used for emphasis, establishing rhythm, etc.

@Courtney562

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Read it out loud, or have somebody read it to you. Part of it is personal preference, but as a reader and listener, I've noticed that edited speeches or novels will not usually have more than 1-2 repetitions (after the first occurrence of the phrase). On the other hand, if you are at a critical point in your book - the end of a part, or the end of the novel - it might be more generally acceptable to have more repetition.

Emphasis on the word "general" - there are no rules in creative writing, only opinions.

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