could you repeat that please

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'could you repeat that please' is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you would like someone to repeat something they have just said. For example: "I didn't quite catch what you said. Could you repeat that please?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

JUNG Would you repeat that, please?

The New York Times

If you are unsure what someone has said to you, either ask "Can you repeat that, please?" or "Can you speak more slowly?

WikiHow

"Could you repeat that confirmation number?" January 8 , 2015

The New Yorker

Could you repeat that question?

Huffington Post

I'm sorry, could you repeat that?

Huffington Post

Could you repeat that?".

WikiHow

Could you repeat that?: Pode repetir?

WikiHow

"I'm sorry, repeat that, please," he said.

The New York Times

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

"Could you repeat it?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For more casual conversations, feel free to use shorter or more colloquial alternatives. However, in professional environments, it's often best to stick with the more polite forms like "could you repeat that please" or "would you mind repeating that".

Common error

While grammatically sound, constantly using "could you repeat that please" in informal settings may sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "what was that?" or "huh?" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could you repeat that please" functions as a polite request for someone to reiterate something they have already said. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in seeking clarification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could you repeat that please" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to politely request someone to reiterate what they've said. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It strikes a balance between politeness and directness, making it suitable for various settings, although slightly more formal than some alternatives. While its register is relatively neutral, it is especially appropriate for professional and formal interactions. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing this phrase or its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can you say that again please

Uses "can" instead of "could", making it slightly less formal.

I'm sorry, I didn't catch that

Focuses on the speaker's inability to hear or understand.

would you mind repeating that

More polite and indirect, using "would you mind".

could you clarify that please

Focuses on clarification, implying the original statement was unclear.

excuse me, what did you say

More direct and less formal, suitable for casual conversation.

can you repeat yourself

A more concise way of asking for repetition.

pardon, I didn't hear you

Uses "pardon", a somewhat old-fashioned but polite way to ask for repetition.

could you run that by me again please

An idiomatic expression asking for repetition, often used in professional settings.

what was that

Very informal and direct, best used with close acquaintances.

say that one more time

Direct and slightly demanding, implying disbelief or surprise.

FAQs

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

You can use "could you repeat that please" when you didn't clearly hear or understand what someone said. For example, "I didn't quite catch what you said; "could you repeat that please"?"

What's the difference between "could you repeat that please" and "can you repeat that please"?

"Could you repeat that please" is generally considered more polite than "can you repeat that please". Both are acceptable, but "could" is often preferred in formal situations.

What can I say instead of "could you repeat that please" in an informal setting?

In informal settings, you can use alternatives like "what was that", "say that again", or "pardon depending on the context".

Is "could you repeat that please" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "could you repeat that please" is perfectly appropriate for professional communication, as it's polite and clear. You could also use "would you mind repeating that" for an even more courteous tone.