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Could you repeat that, please?

UK //kʊd juː rɪˈpiːt ðæt pliːz//US //kʊd ju ˈriːˌpit ðæt pliz//

Definition

A polite way to ask someone to say something again.

In simple words: Can you say that again?

Examples

  • I didn't catch what you said; could you repeat that, please?
  • During the meeting, I asked, 'Could you repeat that, please?' when I missed a detail.
  • Excuse me, could you repeat that, please? I didn't hear you.
  • She looked confused and said, 'Could you repeat that, please?'

Usage notes

Use this phrase to politely ask someone to say something again. It's appropriate in most contexts but can be seen as too formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone request

Memory hint

Think of needing clarity, like a teacher asking a student to repeat a lesson.

Collocations

  • repeat the question
  • repeat the instructions
  • repeat after me
  • repeat what you said
  • repeat for clarity

Synonyms

  • Could you say that again?
  • Can you say that one more time?
  • Pardon?
  • Excuse me?
  • What was that?

Common mistakes

  • Saying 'Can you repeat that, please?' instead of 'Could you' makes it less polite.
  • Forgetting to add 'please' can come across as rude.
  • Not using a question tone when asking.