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do it again
/duː ɪt əˈɡɛn/
repeat an action
I didn't understand the first time, so the teacher asked me to do it again.
The teacher requested a repetition of the action due to initial misunderstanding.
informal
to perform an action one more time after it has already been done
Could you do it again? I missed the first part.
A request for repetition due to inattention.
She pressed the button, but nothing happened, so she did it again.
An attempt to replicate the action after a failed attempt.
Commonly used in both spoken and written English to request or describe repetition.
Collocations
do it againrepeat the actionlet me do it againallow me to repeat the actiondo it one more timeperform the action once more
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake
Avoid using 'do it again' to mean 'do something else.' It specifically refers to repetition, not substitution.
Gold Rule
Clarity in Requests
When asking someone to 'do it again,' specify the reason (e.g., 'Could you do it again more slowly?') to avoid confusion.
Word Origin
The phrase combines the verb 'do' (Old English 'dōn') with 'again' (Old English 'ongēan'), meaning 'back to the original state or position'. The phrase has been used in English since at least the 14th century to indicate repetition.
Usage Notes
Used in both formal and informal contexts. In programming, it may refer to executing a loop iteration. In casual speech, it often implies a request for clarification or emphasis on repetition.
Word Breakdown
do
perform an action
verbit
the action or task in question
pronounagain
one more time
adverbEnglish Dictionary