speak again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak again" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to repeat what they have said or to express a desire for further communication. Example: "I didn't catch that last part; could you please speak again?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We must speak again.

The Guardian - Books

Speak again soon.

The New Yorker

They didn't speak again.

The New Yorker

RM We'll speak again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They do not speak again.

Independent

I have to speak again?

The Guardian

Friends who never speak again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Never open your mouths to speak again!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The man spoke again.

The New Yorker

Then he spoke again.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then she spoke again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speak again" to politely request someone to repeat themselves, especially in formal settings. This avoids abruptness.

Common error

Avoid using "speak again" repeatedly in casual conversation. Alternatives like "what?", "huh?", or "pardon?" might be more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak again" functions as a request for repetition or a statement of intent for future communication. Ludwig shows it's used both to ask someone to repeat something immediately and to express the desire for further discussion at a later time. The examples showcase varied contexts from news to personal conversations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speak again" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary functions are to request repetition or to indicate a desire for future conversation. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings. As evidenced by the diverse examples, authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New Yorker commonly employ this phrase, attesting to its widespread acceptability and utility. Consider context and audience when choosing between "speak again" and its alternatives to ensure effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

say it again

A more direct and simple request for repetition.

repeat yourself

Similar to "say it again" but can sometimes be perceived as slightly impolite depending on context.

talk further

Indicates the intention to continue a discussion.

have another conversation

A more descriptive way of saying "speak again".

reiterate

Implies a more formal and direct repetition of a statement.

we'll talk later

Indicates a postponement of a conversation.

address this later

Similar to "come back to this", focusing on addressing an issue subsequently.

come back to this

Suggests revisiting a topic or discussion at a later time.

touch base again

A business idiom for reconnecting to discuss something further.

reconnect

A general term for getting back in touch.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to "speak again"?

You can phrase your request as "Could you "say that again", please?", "Would you mind repeating that?", or "I didn't quite catch that."

What's a more formal way to say "speak again"?

In formal contexts, you might use phrases like "Could you "reiterate" that point?" or "Would you mind clarifying your statement?"

Is "speak again" appropriate in written communication?

While "speak again" is more commonly used in spoken language, it can be used in written communication to indicate a desire for future conversation or clarification. For example: "I hope we can "talk further" about this soon."

When is it better to use "say that again" instead of "speak again"?

"Say that again" is generally used when you didn't hear or understand something and want it repeated immediately. "Speak again" is broader and can also refer to future conversations or engagements: "We must "engage again" on this matter."