When someone says, “How many times do I have to tell you?“, they are expressing frustration because they have to repeat something over and over again. Usually, it’s because someone is not listening or not following instructions, rules, or advice that has been given repeatedly.
Here are two examples in sentences:
Example 1:
Sarah’s mom was frustrated when she saw the messy room and said, “How many times do I have to tell you to clean your room?”
Example 2:
Mike’s coach was not happy with the team’s lack of discipline during practice and asked, “How many times do I have to tell you to focus on the game?”
Now, let’s see two examples in a conversation:
Example 3:
Emma: Hi, Tom! Why didn’t you bring your jacket? It’s cold outside.
Tom: I forgot, Emma.
Emma: Tom, how many times do I have to tell you to check the weather before we leave?
Example 4:
Lucy: Hey, John! Did you forget to turn off the lights again?
John: Oops, I guess I did.
Lucy: John, how many times do I have to tell you to turn off the lights when you leave the room?
So, when someone says “How many times do I have to tell you?“, they’re expressing their irritation or frustration because they have to keep repeating themselves. This phrase is often used when someone has not followed instructions or advice that was given to them more than once.