When you find yourself in a situation where you haven’t fully understood something that’s been said to you, it’s quite common to ask for the information to be repeated. In English, there are several ways to express the desire for someone to repeat themselves. Here, we’ll explore some of the most common phrases and how to use them effectively.
1. Can You Repeat That?
The most straightforward way to ask for something to be repeated is simply to say, “Can you repeat that?” This phrase is clear and universally understood. It’s polite and doesn’t assume any prior knowledge or misunderstanding on the part of the speaker.
Example:
Person A: "The meeting is at 10 AM."
Person B: "Can you repeat that?"
2. Could You Say That Again?
Using “could you say that again?” is a bit more formal than “can you repeat that?” It’s a subtle way of showing respect for the speaker’s time and the importance of the information being conveyed.
Example:
Person A: "I'm not sure I heard that correctly."
Person B: "Could you say that again?"
3. I Didn’t Catch That/Understand That
These phrases are indirect ways of asking for repetition. They can be used when you’re not sure if the speaker realizes you haven’t understood them.
Example:
Person A: "We need to finalize the project plan by Friday."
Person B: "I didn't catch that. Could you clarify the deadline?"
4. Pardon?
“Pardon?” is a formal way of asking for a repetition. It’s often used in situations where the speaker has a strong accent or where there’s background noise that may have obscured the words.
Example:
Person A: "The address is 123 Main Street."
Person B: "Pardon?"
5. I’m Sorry, Could You Speak More Slowly?
This phrase is particularly useful if the issue is with the speed of the speaker’s delivery. It’s polite and gives the speaker an opportunity to adjust their pace.
Example:
Person A: "We need to finalize the project plan by Friday."
Person B: "I'm sorry, could you speak more slowly? I couldn't keep up."
6. Can You Clarify?
“Can you clarify?” is a broad request for more detail or a repetition, especially when the issue isn’t just a lack of understanding but also a need for more information.
Example:
Person A: "We're going to change the strategy."
Person B: "Can you clarify what that means exactly?"
Conclusion
Remember that the key to asking for repetition is to be polite and concise. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and your relationship with the speaker. By using one of these phrases, you can ensure that you’re understood and that any misunderstandings are quickly resolved.