ては、～ては (tewa-tewa): Repeatedly; doing and then
～ては、～ては (tewa-tewa)
Meaning
Repeatedly; doing and then
Formation and usage
Vて + は + clause + Vて + は + clause
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Describes alternating repeated actions, distinct from the conditional use of Vては.
Examples
資料を書いては消し、書いては消した。
I repeatedly wrote and erased parts of the documents.
報告書を書いては消し、書いては消した。
I repeatedly wrote and erased parts of the report.
説明書を書いては消し、書いては消した。
I repeatedly wrote and erased parts of the instructions.
計画書を書いては消し、書いては消した。
I repeatedly wrote and erased parts of the written plan.
申込書を書いては消し、書いては消した。
I repeatedly wrote and erased parts of the application form.
How related patterns differ
きる stresses completion; ぬく perseverance to the end. てみせる shows determination. てやまない sustains a feeling; っぱなし, づめ, and 通し describe duration with different nuances. ては～ては repeats alternating actions.