In daily communication, whether in a professional or casual setting, there are moments when you may not fully catch what someone says. Instead of using a direct “Could you please repeat that?”
Struggling to ask someone to repeat themselves politely? Explore polite ways to say “Could you please repeat that?” such as “I didn’t quite catch that, could you repeat it?” or “Would you mind saying that again for clarity?”
It may come off as a bit formal or redundant in some situations, but many alternative, polite phrases can maintain clarity while sounding friendly and professional. Below are polite ways to ask for clarification, complete with scenario examples.
List Of Polite Ways to Say ‘Could You Please Repeat That?’
- Can you clarify that for me?
- Could you go over that one more time?
- Would you mind repeating that last part?
- Sorry, I missed that. Could you say it again?
- Could you explain that again?
- I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat it?
- Would you mind going over that again?
- I didn’t quite get that. Could you go over it once more?
- I’m not sure I understood that. Could you explain it again?
- Can you repeat what you just said?
- Can you run that by me again?
- Would you mind clarifying what you meant?
- Could you restate that for me?
- Can you walk me through that again?
- Can you elaborate on that point?
1. I Didn’t Quite Catch That, Could You Say It Again?
This phrase is light and conversational, ideal for both professional and casual situations.
Example Email:
Subject: Clarification Needed on the Project
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re doing well. During our meeting earlier today, there was a part of the discussion where I didn’t quite catch what you said regarding the timeline for the project. Could you say it again when you have a moment? I just want to make sure I fully understand everything.
Thank you so much for your help!
Warm regards,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This phrase conveys humility and attentiveness, showing that you are listening but simply need a bit more clarity.
2. I’m Sorry, Could You Go Over That Once More?
This option shows a polite level of concern for missing the details.
Example Email:
Subject: Question About Today’s Briefing
Hi Mia,
I’m sorry, but I think I may have missed a small portion of today’s briefing. Could you go over that once more, especially the part about the client’s expectations? I want to ensure I have all the details correct.
I appreciate your patience.
Best regards,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
Apologizing for missing information shows respect for the speaker’s time and acknowledges your accountability.
3. I Didn’t Hear You Clearly, Could You Please Repeat?
This phrase is perfect for moments when there may have been interference, such as background noise.
Example Scenario (Phone Call):
Hannah: Hey Mia, I didn’t hear you clearly just now—could you please repeat what you mentioned about the next meeting time?
Mia: Of course, Hannah! The next meeting will be at 3 PM tomorrow.
Hannah: Thanks so much!
Additional Insights:
Blaming the missed information on clarity rather than attention is a good tactic for maintaining rapport.
4. Could You Clarify That for Me?
This is a great phrase for formal emails, as it asks for elaboration without directly pointing out that you didn’t understand.
Example Email:
Subject: Clarification on the Budget Report
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re doing well. When reviewing the budget report, I realized I might need a little more information on the expenses in the third quarter. Could you clarify that for me when you have a chance?
Thank you for your help!
Best regards,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This phrase sounds professional and doesn’t imply that you were inattentive, making it great for written communication.
5. Would You Mind Repeating That, Please?
This option is gentle and polite, making it ideal for sensitive or formal conversations.
Example Email:
Subject: Request for Clarification
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re well. I was going over our conversation from earlier, and I realized I might have misunderstood one of the key points. Would you mind repeating that, please—specifically regarding the project deadlines?
Thanks so much!
Warm regards,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
By framing the request as a favor, this phrase softens the potential awkwardness of asking for repetition.
6. Could You Go Over That Again?
This phrase is short and simple, effective in both professional and casual settings.
Example Email:
Subject: Quick Clarification
Hi Mia,
I hope this email finds you well. During our conversation about the upcoming marketing strategy, I think I missed a detail. Could you go over that again when you have a moment?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Best,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This straightforward request works well when time is limited but clarity is crucial.
7. I Missed That Last Part, Could You Repeat It?
This phrase allows you to specify that you only missed part of the conversation.
Example Email:
Subject: Small Clarification Needed
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re having a good day. I was going over our notes from the last meeting, and I realize I missed that last part about the new client acquisition strategy. Could you repeat it when you have a minute?
Thanks for your time!
Best regards,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This request emphasizes that only a minor point was missed, which can be helpful in making the request seem less of a burden.
8. Could You Explain That in a Bit More Detail?
This is a tactful way of requesting further elaboration when the initial explanation was unclear.
Example Email:
Subject: Request for Further Details
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re doing well. I was going over our recent discussion on the new software implementation, and I think I could use a bit more information. Could you explain that in a bit more detail, especially regarding the installation process?
Thank you for your time.
Warm regards,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This approach shows that you are engaged and interested in fully understanding the matter, rather than just needing repetition.
9. Could You Run That by Me Again?
This informal phrase is ideal for conversational contexts or when you want to sound more relaxed.
Example Email:
Subject: Quick Follow-Up
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re well. I was reflecting on our discussion, and I realize I might need a bit more clarity on one point. Could you run that by me again, especially the budget changes we’re implementing next quarter?
Thanks so much for your time!
Best,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This phrase has a friendly tone, perfect for colleagues you know well, as it sounds casual without being disrespectful.
10. I’m Sorry, I Missed That—Could You Say It Again?
This phrase is a polite way to admit that you weren’t fully paying attention, while still remaining professional.
Example Email:
Subject: Clarification Needed
Hi Mia,
I’m sorry, but I think I missed that part during our meeting. Could you say it again, particularly the part about the revised deliverables for next month?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Warm regards,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This shows accountability while still politely asking for repetition.
11. Would You Mind Going Over That One More Time?
This phrase suggests that you were paying attention but want to make sure you fully understand the material.
Example Email:
Subject: Clarification Request
Hi Mia,
I hope this finds you well. I wanted to ask if you wouldn’t mind going over that point about the timeline for the new project one more time. I want to ensure I understood everything clearly.
Thank you so much!
Best regards,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This request is perfect for confirming important information that might affect future actions.
12. I Think I Missed That, Could You Repeat It for Me?
Here, you are being honest while politely asking for help.
Example Email:
Subject: Missed Details
Hi Mia,
I hope your day is going well. I think I missed that point during our conversation regarding the client feedback. Could you repeat it for me when you get a chance?
Thank you for your help!
Best,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This approach frames your request in a way that encourages cooperation, acknowledging the mistake while maintaining professionalism.
13. I’m Not Sure I Understood That, Could You Say It Again?
Here, you acknowledge the possibility of misunderstanding, making your request feel less demanding.
Example Email:
Subject: Clarification Needed
Hi Mia,
I’m not sure I understood that point clearly regarding the presentation on Friday. Could you say it again or elaborate a little more so I can be sure I have it right?
Thanks for your time.
Best regards,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This shows you’re taking responsibility for your own understanding and want to ensure accuracy moving forward.
14. I Missed the Last Few Words, Could You Repeat?
By focusing on “the last few words,” this phrase indicates you were paying attention for most of the conversation.
Example Email:
Subject: Quick Clarification
Hi Mia,
I was following our discussion on the recent marketing campaign, but I think I missed the last few words about the social media strategy. Could you repeat that part when you get a chance?
Thank you for your patience!
Best regards,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This wording can be particularly helpful if you don’t want to come across as inattentive, but still need to fill in a gap in the conversation.
15. Would You Mind Going Over the Last Part Again?
This polite phrase indicates that you paid attention but need clarity on a specific section.
Example Email:
Subject: Clarification on Project Timeline
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re having a good day. I think I may have missed a bit of detail in the last part of our discussion on the project timeline. Would you mind going over it again when you have a moment?
Thanks so much for your help!
Best,
Hannah
Additional Insights:
This request is great for ensuring that you gather all relevant information without implying that the entire conversation was unclear.
Conclusion
These alternatives to “Could you please repeat that?” provide a range of tones and levels of formality, allowing you to tailor your response based on the context and relationship with the recipient. Whether you’re communicating in a professional environment or casually with friends, varying how you ask for repetition helps keep the conversation polite, respectful, and clear.
