Could you please repeat that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Could you please repeat that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to say something again, typically because you did not hear or understand it the first time. Example: "I didn't catch what you said earlier. Could you please repeat that?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Don't be afraid to ask "Could you please repeat that?" if you didn't catch what they were saying.

WikiHow

If you don't understand the directions to something, instead of "huh?" say "could you please repeat that, I didn't hear it correctly".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If they say, "I'm sorry, I can't quite hear you, could you please repeat your order?", don't cuss and drive off in a mad rage.

WikiHow

For instance, "Um...could you please repeat that?", "Um...are you seriously breaking up with me??".

WikiHow

Can you please repeat?

The New York Times

Would you please repeat the question…?

The New Yorker

Will you please repeat it?

Functional Linguistics

"Hey Brent, could you please report that account on Bumble?

Vice

Could you please comment on that, so that it does not seem that you are forging the groups that are matching your conclusions, instead of, for instance, being unable to resolve the problem.

Biology Direct

Could you please expand on that?

The Guardian

Could you please stop doing that?" He shook the bike frame.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Could you please repeat that", ensure your tone is polite and respectful, especially in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase sarcastically or aggressively. The "please" indicates politeness, and a harsh tone can negate its effect, making you sound rude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Could you please repeat that" functions as a polite imperative request. It is used to ask someone to say something again, usually because the listener did not hear or understand the initial statement. Ludwig AI confirms its direct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Could you please repeat that" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as stated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a polite request for someone to say something again, typically when you didn't hear or understand them. While suitable for many situations, it should be used with a respectful tone to avoid sounding sarcastic. The phrase is relatively common, appearing in diverse contexts. Alternatives include "Can you say that again?" or "Would you mind repeating that?". Remember to tailor your language to your audience and setting, ensuring clarity and politeness in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Can you repeat that, please?

Reorders the phrase for a slightly different emphasis.

Would you mind repeating that?

This alternative is slightly more formal and indirect.

Please repeat what you said.

A more direct, yet still polite, request.

Can you say that again?

This option is more direct and less formal.

Could you say that one more time?

This is a more conversational alternative, implying a need for clarification.

Excuse me, what did you say?

This option adds a layer of politeness with "excuse me".

I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.

This expresses that you missed what was said, implying a request for repetition.

Pardon?

A very brief and informal way to ask for repetition.

Say that again?

Informal and questioning, implies you need clarification

What was that?

A very direct, and potentially less polite, way to ask for repetition.

FAQs

How to use "Could you please repeat that" in a sentence?

Use "Could you please repeat that" when you need someone to say something again because you didn't hear or understand them the first time. Example: "I didn't understand the instructions. "Could you please repeat that"?"

What can I say instead of "Could you please repeat that"?

You can use alternatives like "Can you say that again?", "Would you mind repeating that?", or simply "Pardon?" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it impolite to say "Could you please repeat that"?

No, it is generally considered a polite way to ask someone to say something again, especially when the word "please" is included. However, your tone of voice and facial expression can affect how it is perceived.

What's the difference between "Could you please repeat that" and "Can you repeat that"?

The phrase ""Could you please repeat that"" is typically perceived as more polite than "Can you repeat that". The addition of "please" and the use of "could" (which is more conditional than "can") soften the request.