Cool MatePardon vs Say what again
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Pardon
Top 2,000 (common)
Say what again
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Pardon
| Pardon | Say what again | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈpɑː.dən//🇺🇸 //ˈpɑrdən// | 🇬🇧 //seɪ wɒt əˈɡɛn//🇺🇸 //seɪ wɑt əˈɡɛn// |
| Meaning | To excuse someone for something they did wrong. | Repeat something that someone said. |
| Example | Could you please PARDON my interruption during the meeting? | I was so shocked I said, 'Say what again?' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | pardon me, pardon my interruption, pardon my mistake | say what again, ask for repetition, express surprise |
| Antonyms | blame, condemn, punish | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'forgive' - 'pardon' is more formal., Used inappropriately in casual conversations., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'pardon?' without context. | Used too formally in serious conversations., Omitted the word 'what,' making it unclear., Assumed to be a polite request instead of an expression of shock. |
| Usage notes | Use 'pardon' in formal situations or when asking for forgiveness. Less common in casual settings. | Used in conversations to ask for repetition, often when surprised or confused. Might not be appropriate in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Pardon vs Say what again
What's the difference between Pardon and Say what again?
Pardon: To excuse someone for something they did wrong. Say what again: Repeat something that someone said.
Which is more formal: Pardon and Say what again?
Pardon is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Pardon: Could you please PARDON my interruption during the meeting? Say what again: I was so shocked I said, 'Say what again?'
Can I use Pardon and Say what again interchangeably?
Not always. Pardon and Say what again are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.