Repetition
Repetition: saying it again until it sticks.
How to spot it
The same loaded word or slogan, again and again, until it feels true through familiarity: "corrupt leaders, a corrupt system, corrupt deals". The repetition is the argument.
What doesn't count
Repeating a word for grammar or clarity isn't the technique. Nor is a report that uses the name of a bill or a person several times because it's about them.
Real examples
Flagged by Semblen's model in the last 90 days and picked by rule, not by hand: the newest first, news rotated across left, center and right outlets, at most two ads from any one race. The model has false positives, a quote in a news article may be the outlet reporting what someone else said, and an ad may be quoting its opponent. Follow each link to check it in context.
In the news
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine”
“the public want action, the public want genuine change, the public do not want any more of the same”
“millions and millions and millions of people”
“I know this suffering people; I am acquainted with their sorrows; I am one with them in experience; I have felt the lash of the slave driver”
“you're going to lose your border, you're going to lose your tax cuts, you're going to lose everything”
In 2026 campaign ads
“in the pocket of DC lobbyists”
“19 times 19 times”
“The extremists demand it”
“higher sales taxes, higher property taxes, even higher income taxes because Troy Jackson raises taxes”
“Girls deserve fairness”
“Bodnar will always put Montana first”
In government statements
“Democrats are committed to driving down the high cost of living”
“While others have talked, I have acted”
“oppose--oppose--any global effort to regulate AI”
Related techniques
Something wrong or unclear on this page?
Tell us. A person reads every note. Use Yes / No under any example if it isn't really repetition: two readers saying no takes it off the page.
Check something yourself
Paste an article, a speech or a video link into the analyzer and Semblen marks each sentence that uses repetition or any other technique, and says why. It flags manipulation techniques, not political tilt.