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DO NOT SAY 'Can you repeat?' or 'I don't understand' - ask for repetition in this BETTER way!

 

You need to stop saying 'Can you repeat?' or 'I don't understand'! In this advanced vocabulary lesson, I explain why, and I give you 21 advanced alternatives including formal, slang and idioms.

 

1. Can you repeat that?
2. Can you repeat that, please?
3. Please could you repeat that?
4. Sorry? (Focus on the intonation)
5. Sorry, can you repeat that.
6. Excuse me? (Formal way) (If said the wrong intonation, you can sound offended)
7. Pardon?
(Formal word/Quite a posh)
8. I beg your pardon?
(Demonstrate your intention with body language and upward intonation) 
9. What was that? / What was that, sorry?
(Normal way)
10. What did you say? / What did you say, sorry?
11. I don’t understand – could you say that again please? / I don’t understand – please could you say that again?
12. Sorry, what did you just say?
13. What did you say just then?
14. Sorry, I didn’t quite catch.
15. Sorry, I didn’t quite get that.
16. Would you mind speaking up a bit?
17. Please could you speak more loudly?
18. Sorry, I’m not following what you’re saying.
19. Wait a second – I’m a bit lost.
20. Would you mind slowing down a bit? I’m struggling to follow.
21. I’m not sure I understand what you mean by ‘…’
22. I’m sorry to interrupt but…
23. I’m sorry to butt in, but…

 

 

Use with friends:

1. This is all Greek to me.
(this is all impossible to understand)
2. That was as clear as mud. (Just use this with friends and people you often joke with)
3. That went right over my head.
4. What are you on about?

 

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