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 need someone to say something again for clarity or understanding. Example: "I didn't catch that last part; could you please repeat that?" Alternative expressions include "Could you say that again" and "Would you mind repeating that?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

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

Would you please repeat that?

Yale University

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

LAHOUSEN: Will you please repeat the question?

Yale University

Will you please repeat it?

Functional Linguistics

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate the adverb "please" as demonstrated to ensure the modal request sounds like an inquiry rather than a command.

Common error

Avoid saying "Could you please repeat that again?". The verb "repeat" already implies doing something again, making the addition of the word "again" unnecessary and grammatically redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could you please repeat that" functions as a polite interrogative used to request the repetition of spoken or written information. According to Ludwig AI, it follows the standard English modal construction where "could" serves as a polite substitute for "can", softening the request.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could you please repeat that" is a highly effective and grammatically flawless phrase for seeking clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread utility across professional, scientific and journalistic fields. Its polite modal structure makes it superior to more abrupt alternatives like "What?" or "Huh?". Whether you are in a boardroom or a classroom, using this phrase ensures you remain respectful while demanding the clarity you need. It is one of the most reliable tools in a writer's or speaker's arsenal for maintaining the flow of clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Would you mind repeating that?

Increases the level of politeness by using a more indirect modal structure.

Could you say that again?

Slightly more conversational but remains polite and effective.

I beg your pardon?

A traditional and very formal way to ask for repetition, often used in British English.

Pardon me?

A shorter, versatile alternative that serves as both an apology and a request.

Sorry, I didn't catch that.

Expresses the reason for the request (lack of hearing/understanding) in a natural way.

Could you please restate that?

More technical or professional; suggests a need for a different phrasing or formal record.

Can you please repeat?

Drops the object "that" for brevity, though slightly less polished.

Would you please repeat the question?

Specific to academic or interview contexts where a prompt needs to be heard again.

Come again?

Much more informal and used primarily in casual spoken conversation.

Could you speak up, please?

Focuses specifically on the volume of the speaker rather than just repetition.

FAQs

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

You can use "could you please repeat that" as a standalone question when you didn't hear someone, or as part of a larger sentence like "I missed the last part; could you please repeat that for me?".

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

Depending on the setting, you can use "would you mind repeating that" for extra politeness or "pardon" for brevity.

Is it correct to say "repeat that again"?

While common in speech, it is better to use "could you please repeat that" alone. If you need a more natural variation, try "could you say that again" instead.

When is "could you please repeat that" too formal?

In very casual settings with friends, you might find it more natural to say "what was that" or "sorry what" rather than the full phrase.