please repeat that

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Barbara, please repeat that: "For those of you who are tired of hearing about racism, imagine how much more tired we are of constantly experiencing it".

Huffington Post

At least 30percentt of my precious calling card minutes are frittered away in volleys of "Can you hear me?" and "Please repeat that.

The New York Times

Please repeat that with me out loud: Not everyone should receive the exact same message.

Huffington Post

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

WikiHow

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

54 human-written examples

Please repeat the name of that motif so that the reader knows what is meant" Response: We have modified the sentence to clarify the same All other editorial changes which were suggested were made.

Biology Direct

The audio playback began with an introduction that provided two examples (e.g., instructions: "Please repeat the following numbers: 1, 2" followed by a time that was sufficient for the subject to repeat both numbers).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

And in the event that it does, there is nothing wrong with telling the other person that you missed something he said, and to please repeat it.

Huffington Post

Can you please repeat?

The New York Times

Would you please repeat the question…?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Adjust your tone and choice of words depending on the setting (professional, informal, etc.) and the relationship with the person you are talking to.

Common error

While "please repeat that" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "could you clarify" or "could you elaborate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please repeat that" functions as an imperative request. It's used to politely ask someone to say something again. Ludwig confirms this is a valid and usable request.

Expression frequency: Common

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, "please repeat that" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to politely request a speaker to reiterate their statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely understood and acceptable in both written and spoken English. While suitable for most situations, more formal alternatives exist for professional contexts. Its usage spans across various categories, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Remember to adjust your tone to the person with whom you are speaking and make sure to listen the second time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i'm sorry, i didn't hear you, could you repeat that

Expresses regret for not hearing and requests repetition.

i didn't catch that, could you repeat it

Explains the reason for asking and uses a similar verb.

could you say that again

More direct and slightly less formal.

excuse me, could you repeat that

Adds an apology for not hearing.

would you mind repeating that

More polite and indirect.

pardon, could you say that again

Uses a more formal term for 'excuse me'.

can you run that by me again

Informal, often used in a business context.

say that again

Very direct and can be perceived as impolite depending on the tone.

what was that

Inquiry, less formal.

come again

A colloquial expression, less common today.

FAQs

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

You can use "please repeat that" to politely ask someone to say something again, often because you didn't hear or understand them. Example: "I didn't hear you clearly. Could you "please repeat that"?"

What's a more formal alternative to "please repeat that"?

More formal alternatives include "would you mind repeating that?" or "could you elaborate on that, please?" These options add a layer of politeness suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is it ever impolite to use "please repeat that"?

While generally polite, using "please repeat that" repeatedly in a short span of time can be frustrating for the speaker. Consider explaining why you're having trouble hearing or understanding. Alternatively, you can try phrases as "could you speak slower?" or "I'm having trouble understanding you".

What are some informal ways to ask someone to repeat something instead of "please repeat that"?

Informal options include "say that again?", "what was that?", or simply "pardon?". However, be mindful of your tone to avoid sounding rude.