say again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say again" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to ask someone to repeat something that has been said. For example: Person 1: "I'm heading to the store later." Person 2: "Say again? What did you say?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Let's say again.

Yale University

What did you say again?

Yale University

Professor Ben Polak: Say again.

Yale University

"Is fine," I say again.

The New Yorker

"Can you say again, please?

The New Yorker

Say again slowly".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I wanted to say again, I'm doing nobody justice.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Richard," she said again.

The New Yorker

"No," she said again.

The New York Times - Sports

"Dry," Avri says again.

The New Yorker

"Katy," he said again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In less formal settings, consider using alternatives like "repeat that" or "what did you say" to maintain a conversational tone.

Common error

Avoid using "say again" excessively in casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday interactions. Opt for simpler phrases like "what?" or "huh?" for a more natural exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say again" functions primarily as an imperative request. It's used to politely ask someone to repeat something that was not clearly heard or understood. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "say again" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning as a polite request for repetition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and highlights its diverse application across various domains. While its usage spans from formal settings like aviation and military to news and media, it's essential to consider the context to avoid sounding overly formal in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "repeat that" or "pardon me" may be more appropriate in informal scenarios. Understanding its purpose—ensuring clarity—and choosing the right register contributes to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeat that

This alternative is more direct and commonly used in informal contexts.

could you repeat that

This alternative is more polite and formal, adding a degree of courtesy.

pardon me

This alternative is a classic, polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves, often used in more formal or traditional settings.

excuse me

This alternative is a versatile phrase that can also signal a request for repetition, though it can also be used in other contexts.

what was that

This alternative is a more casual way to ask someone to repeat something, suitable for informal conversations.

i didn't catch that

This alternative indicates that you missed hearing what was said, prompting a repetition.

come again

This alternative is an informal expression with the same meaning, although it can sometimes be misconstrued depending on the context.

what did you say

This alternative is a straightforward question asking for clarification or repetition.

i beg your pardon

This alternative is a very formal and polite way of asking someone to repeat themselves, often used in more traditional settings.

run that by me again

This alternative is an idiomatic expression, suggesting a need for a more detailed explanation or repetition.

FAQs

How can I use "say again" in a sentence?

You can use "say again" to politely ask someone to repeat what they've said. For example: "The transmission was unclear, "say again", over."

What's a more informal way to ask someone to repeat something?

Instead of "say again", you could use phrases like "what was that", "pardon me", or "excuse me" depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "say again"?

"Say again" is particularly appropriate in situations where clear communication is essential, such as in aviation, military operations, or emergency services. It's a concise and unambiguous way to request repetition.

Is "say again" the same as "repeat that"?

While both phrases ask someone to repeat themselves, "say again" is often perceived as more formal and is commonly used in specific professional contexts like aviation or the military. "Repeat that" is generally suitable for everyday conversations.