Gaining clarity in conversations is essential, and when you find yourself struggling to understand someone, it’s helpful to politely ask them to repeat what they said. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to express “Can you repeat?” in both formal and informal settings. Whether you’re seeking clarity in a professional environment or engaging in casual conversation with friends, these phrases will help you get your message across. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions
When communicating formally, it’s important to use polite language and maintain professionalism. Here are several phrases you can use to ask someone to repeat their words in a formal setting:
1. Could you please repeat that?
2. I’m sorry, but I didn’t catch what you said. Could you say it again, please?
3. My apologies, but could you kindly repeat yourself?
4. I beg your pardon, but could you clarify what you just said?
5. Excuse me, could you repeat that one more time?
2. Informal Expressions
When conversing with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use more relaxed language to ask someone to repeat themselves. Here are some informal phrases to help you:
1. Sorry, what was that?
2. Huh? Could you say it again?
3. Wait, I didn’t get that. Can you repeat?
4. Say that again, please?
5. Hold on, I missed what you just said. Repeat it, please?
3. Examples in Context
Let’s look at a few examples to see how these phrases can be used:
Formal:
Scenario: You are attending a business meeting.
You: Could you please repeat that? I didn’t quite catch what you said about the new sales strategy.
Colleague: Certainly, I said that the new strategy emphasizes customer engagement through personalized communication.
Informal:
Scenario: You are having a conversation with a friend.
You: Sorry, what was that? I got distracted for a moment.
Friend: No worries! I was just saying that we should grab dinner at that new restaurant downtown.
4. Tips for Effective Communication
When requesting someone to repeat themselves, consider the following tips for better communication:
- Maintain eye contact while asking for a repetition.
- Use a calm and friendly tone to avoid sounding rude or impatient.
- If necessary, indicate the specific part you didn’t understand.
- Practice active listening, focusing on the speaker’s words and body language to enhance understanding.
- When the speaker repeats, make sure to give them your full attention.
Conclusion
Asking someone to repeat themselves is a common and important part of effective communication. By using the appropriate phrases and maintaining a respectful tone, you can ensure better understanding in both formal and informal situations. Remember to practice active listening and be attentive to the speaker’s response. Now, armed with these expressions, go ahead and engage in conversations with confidence!
