# Avoid repeated words (EK00024)

import { Aside, Badge } from '@astrojs/starlight/components';

A doubled word is almost always a typo, so removing the duplicate keeps your documentation clean and credible. EkLine flags the same word written twice in a row (rule EK00024).

## Why do repeated words hurt documentation?

Repeated words slip past a quick read yet stand out to your audience and undercut the credibility of otherwise accurate documentation. Catching them automatically means a stray "the the" never reaches a published page. Clean, single-word phrasing also keeps sentences easy to scan.

## What EkLine flags

EK00024 matches the same word repeated back to back.

- ❌ **Incorrect:** Restart the the server after the update.
- ✅ **Correct:** Restart the server after the update.
- ❌ **Incorrect:** You can can configure it in settings.
- ✅ **Correct:** You can configure it in settings.

## How to fix

Delete the duplicated word so the phrase reads once.

<Aside type="note">
A few phrases repeat a word on purpose — for example, "had had" or a stuttered quotation. When the repetition is intentional, keep it and ignore the rule for that line.
</Aside>

## FAQ

### Why do duplicate words slip into writing?

Repeated words like "the the" often survive editing because a quick read skips over them, yet they stand out to your audience.

### Are back-to-back repeated words ever intentional?

Yes. Phrases like "had had" or a stuttered quotation repeat a word on purpose. Keep them and ignore the rule for that line.

## Rule details

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Rule ID | `EK00024` |
| Category | Spelling and grammar |
| Default severity | <Badge text="Error" variant="danger" /> |
| Enabled by default | Yes |

## Ignore this rule

To keep a repeated word on one line, add an inline comment:

```markdown
<!-- ekline-ignore-next-line EK00024 -- intentional repetition in quotation -->
She said, "I had had enough of the errors."
```

To disable the rule across your project, add it to the `ignore` list in your [configuration file](/reviewer/configuration/ignoring-rules/#ignore).

## Related rules

- [EK00025](/reviewer/rules/single-spacing/) — Use a single space between words
- [EK00300](/reviewer/rules/spell-check/) — Enable dictionary-based spell checking