say it again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say it again" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to repeat something they just said, often for clarification or emphasis. Example: "I didn't catch that last part. Can you please say it again?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Say it again.

The New Yorker

I will say it again.

The New York Times

I hereby say it again.

The New York Times

Let me say it again.

Yale University

Because I'll say it again.

Cornell University

Donald, say it again.

The Washington Post

Why say it again?

The New York Times - Sports

— Say it again: they are too bland.

The New York Times - Sports

I'll say it again: extremely loud.

The New York Times - Arts

Say, say, say it again, Ms. Wilson.

The New York Times

Say it again: they are too old.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "say it again" when you need someone to repeat something for clarity, emphasis, or because you didn't hear it properly. It's suitable for both informal and semi-formal situations.

Common error

While "say it again" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "could you please repeat that?" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say it again" primarily functions as an imperative request. It directs the listener to repeat something that was previously said. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is widely recognized and used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "say it again" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to request a repetition of something that was previously stated. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and wide use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and casual conversations. While generally neutral, its informality suggests exercising caution in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives like "could you please repeat that?" for professional communications. Overall, "say it again" is a versatile and effective way to seek clarification or confirmation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeat that

More direct and concise request for repetition.

say that again, please

Adds politeness to the request for repetition.

could you please repeat that

A more polite and formal way to ask for a repetition.

can you say that one more time

A common and slightly more emphatic way to ask for repetition.

what was that

An informal way to ask someone to repeat something, often used if you didn't hear or understand.

i didn't catch that

Indicates that the speaker missed what was said and needs it repeated.

pardon me

A polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves, often used in formal settings.

i didn't hear you

Directly states that the speaker didn't hear, implying a need for repetition.

excuse me

Similar to "pardon me" but can also be used to interrupt someone.

run that by me again

An informal phrase asking for clarification or repetition.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to repeat themselves?

To politely ask someone to repeat themselves, you can use phrases like "Could you please repeat that?", "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that", or "pardon me".

What are some informal ways to ask someone to repeat something?

Informal ways to ask for repetition include "what was that?", "Huh?", or simply "say what?" These are best used with people you know well.

Is "say it again" appropriate in professional communication?

While generally acceptable, "say it again" may be too informal for very formal professional communication. In such cases, consider using phrases like "Could you please clarify?" or "could you elaborate?"

What's the difference between "repeat that" and "say it again"?

"repeat that" is more direct and concise, while "say it again" is slightly more conversational. Both are generally interchangeable, but the best choice depends on the desired tone and context.