Meaning
A polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
Cultural Background
British speakers often prefer 'Sorry?' or 'Pardon?' but 'Say again, please' is becoming more common due to American influence. However, saying 'What?' is considered quite rude in many British households. Americans value efficiency. 'Say again, please' or 'Say that again?' is very common and seen as direct and honest. It is widely used in business and casual settings. In Indian English, 'Please?' used alone with a rising intonation often means 'Say again.' However, 'Say again, please' is the standard taught in schools and is very respectful. Australians are quite informal and might use 'Say again?' without the 'please' among friends, but adding 'please' is always safer for learners to avoid sounding too blunt.
Use Rising Intonation
Make your voice go up at the end of 'please' to make it sound like a friendly question rather than a command.
Don't Overuse It
If you ask someone to 'say again' five times in a row, they might get frustrated. Try saying 'Could you speak more slowly?' instead.
Meaning
A polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
Use Rising Intonation
Make your voice go up at the end of 'please' to make it sound like a friendly question rather than a command.
Don't Overuse It
If you ask someone to 'say again' five times in a row, they might get frustrated. Try saying 'Could you speak more slowly?' instead.
The 'Sorry' Sandwich
For maximum politeness, put 'Sorry' at the beginning: 'Sorry, say again, please?'
Test Yourself
Complete the polite request for repetition.
I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. ____ again, please?
'Say' is the correct verb used in this specific idiomatic expression.
Choose the best response for a noisy environment.
A: The total is fifteen dollars. B: [Loud truck passes by] ________
This is the most polite and natural way to ask for the price again.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When should you say 'Say again, please'?
The phrase is specifically for clarification and repetition.
Which of these is the most polite in a neutral setting?
You didn't hear your colleague's name.
'Say again, please?' provides the perfect balance of brevity and politeness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to ask for repetition
Formal
- • Pardon?
- • Could you repeat that?
- • I beg your pardon?
Neutral
- • Say again, please?
- • Sorry?
- • What was that?
Informal
- • Come again?
- • What?
- • Huh?
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI'm sorry, I didn't hear you. ____ again, please?
'Say' is the correct verb used in this specific idiomatic expression.
A: The total is fifteen dollars. B: [Loud truck passes by] ________
This is the most polite and natural way to ask for the price again.
When should you say 'Say again, please'?
The phrase is specifically for clarification and repetition.
You didn't hear your colleague's name.
'Say again, please?' provides the perfect balance of brevity and politeness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt's acceptable, but 'Could you repeat that, please?' or 'I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that' is slightly more professional for an interview setting.
Yes, but it's very short and might sound a bit like you are talking to a child or a pet. 'Say again, please' is better.
'Say again' is more common in spoken conversation. 'Repeat' is often used for actions (Repeat the exercise) or in more formal instructions.
'Pardon' is a slightly more traditional, British-influenced way to say the same thing. Both are correct!
It is always 'Say again.' 'Speak again' would mean you want the person to start a new conversation later.
Related Phrases
Could you repeat that?
synonymA slightly more formal way to ask for repetition.
Pardon?
synonymA very common, slightly formal one-word request.
Come again?
similarAn informal way to ask someone to repeat themselves.
I didn't catch that.
builds onExplains WHY you need them to say it again.
