say that again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say that again" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to repeat what they just said, often because you didn't hear or understand it clearly. Example: "I didn't catch that last part. Can you say that again?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I'll say that again.

The New Yorker

"I'm'a say that again.

The New Yorker

"You can say that again," I said.

The New Yorker

'You can say that again,' he said.

The New Yorker

"Wow, Isabelle, say that again," Kerry said.

The New Yorker

So we can all say that again.

The New York Times

Finally: "You say that again, love?

The Guardian - Music

But now, I don't think I'll ever say that again.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

You said that again today.

The New York Times

He says that again and again.

BBC

He kept saying that again and again.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "say that again" when you genuinely need clarification or did not hear something properly. It's a straightforward way to request repetition.

Common error

Be mindful of your tone when using "say that again". In some contexts, it can sound challenging or disbelieving, rather than simply seeking clarification. Opt for a more polite alternative if you are concerned about how it might be perceived.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say that again" functions primarily as an imperative request. It directly asks the listener to repeat their previous statement, indicating that the speaker either didn't hear, didn't understand, or wants to confirm what was said. Ludwig confirms this use in its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "say that again" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to request repetition or clarification. Ludwig's analysis highlights its frequent appearance in News & Media sources, indicating its broad acceptability. While generally neutral, be mindful of your tone to avoid unintended confrontational implications, and consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its utility across various conversational contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeat that

A more direct and concise way to ask for repetition.

could you repeat that

A more polite and formal request for repetition.

i didn't catch that

Indicates that the speaker didn't hear or understand the previous statement.

what did you say

A general question to inquire about the previous statement.

pardon

A brief and somewhat formal way of asking someone to repeat themselves.

excuse me

Used to politely interrupt and ask for repetition or clarification.

what was that

A casual way of asking someone to repeat what they said.

run that by me again

An informal way to ask someone to explain something again.

can you elaborate

Asks for more detail or explanation, implying the original statement was unclear.

come again

An informal and sometimes considered impolite way to ask for repetition.

FAQs

What's a more polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves than "say that again"?

You can use phrases like "could you repeat that", "would you mind repeating that", or "I didn't catch that" to be more courteous.

Is it appropriate to use "say that again" in formal settings?

While "say that again" is generally acceptable, it's best to use more formal alternatives like "pardon me" or "excuse me" in formal situations.

What's the difference between "say that again" and "what did you say"?

"Say that again" directly requests repetition, while "what did you say" is a more general inquiry about what was said, and might prompt a paraphrased response instead of a direct repetition.

When might "say that again" be considered impolite?

"Say that again" can sound dismissive or confrontational if used with a certain tone or in response to something the speaker might be sensitive about. In such cases, a softer approach like "I didn't quite hear you" might be better.