I cannot repeat that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot repeat that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are unable or unwilling to say something again, often due to privacy, sensitivity, or clarity issues. Example: "When asked to clarify his previous statement, he simply replied, 'I cannot repeat that.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I cannot repeat that".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar In Marrying The Gunner's Daughter (we cannot repeat that title enough) will also feature a song written in tribute to the late Malcolm McLaren.

The Guardian - Music

We cannot repeat that mistake again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Barack Obama cannot repeat that sentence enough.

Huffington Post

"We cannot repeat that level of cuts, and staying even cannot be the new norm".

Huffington Post

"The French players made some absurd comments about our country and our athletes that I cannot repeat, and they did not show respect to our country".

The Guardian - Sport

"They said, 'You are black women, and you are our slaves,' and they also said other bad things that I cannot repeat," she said, crying softly.

The New York Times

She took about four steps from the truck and spun around on her tippy toes, opened the truck door and whispered something that I cannot repeat (as to not ruin the oh-so-proper reputation of Dawn Alyson) and laughed her beautiful Dawn laugh... she said "I love you baby" and closed the door.

Huffington Post

I cannot repeat how important it is to remember that your customer interactions include all physical world interactions, as well as all digital exchanges, and the interplay between all of these.

Huffington Post

Mr President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, having listened to this debate, I cannot but repeat that we need to think more like Europeans and stop engaging in national and party politics.

EU Parlament

The administration realizes it cannot afford to repeat that error, but its policies invite a continuing degree of disorder that would not serve American or Afghan interests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I cannot repeat that" when you want to firmly indicate your unwillingness or inability to say something again, often because it's confidential, sensitive, or inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I cannot repeat that" too frequently in a conversation, as it can create an air of mystery or secrecy that may not be intended. Be mindful of the context to ensure your meaning is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot repeat that" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's inability or unwillingness to reiterate something. This refusal may stem from various reasons, such as confidentiality, inappropriateness, or lack of clarity. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I cannot repeat that" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, primarily found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, its purpose is to firmly decline repeating a statement due to confidentiality, sensitivity, or inappropriateness. While the phrase is valid, it is relatively rare and should be used judiciously to avoid unintended ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "I'm unable to say that again" or "I'm not at liberty to disclose that information" to convey similar meanings with subtle variations. Be aware of the potential for overuse and ensure the context clarifies your intent when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm unable to say that again

Indicates a lack of ability to repeat something, placing emphasis on capability.

I'm not at liberty to disclose that information

Implies a restriction or prohibition on revealing certain details.

I can't divulge that information

Highlights a prohibition against revealing sensitive or confidential details.

I'm not permitted to reiterate that

Implies a formal prohibition against repeating specific information.

I'm refraining from saying that again

Suggests a deliberate choice to avoid repeating something, often due to sensitivity.

I'd rather not repeat that

Expresses a preference not to repeat something, often due to discomfort or unwillingness.

That's something I'd prefer not to say again

Indicates a personal reluctance to repeat certain information, often for emotional reasons.

I'm not going to go there again

Suggests avoiding a topic or statement that is considered problematic or controversial.

Let's just leave it at that

Indicates a desire to end the discussion without further elaboration or repetition.

I will not belabor the point

Implies a decision not to dwell on or repeat something, often to avoid being tedious.

FAQs

What does "I cannot repeat that" mean?

It means the speaker is unwilling or unable to say something again, often because it's confidential, sensitive, or inappropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "I cannot repeat that"?

Use it when you need to firmly decline repeating something without providing further explanation, especially when the information is private or potentially harmful if repeated.

What are some alternatives to "I cannot repeat that"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm unable to say that again", "I'm not at liberty to disclose that information", or "I can't divulge that information" depending on the context.

How does "I cannot repeat that" differ from "I don't want to repeat that"?

"I cannot repeat that" suggests an inability or restriction, while "I don't want to repeat that" expresses a personal unwillingness or preference. The former may imply external constraints, whereas the latter is a personal choice.