Can you speak more slowly?
A1
Everyday Phrase
Neutral
Very Common
Meaning
A request for someone to speak at a slower speed.
When to use it
People say this to someone who is talking too fast for them to understand. It is common in shops, on the phone, and when learning English. It is neutral. In a very formal situation, adding 'please' makes it more polite.
Example Sentence
Can you speak more slowly, please?
Grammar & structure
Can + you + speak + more slowly? You can add 'please': Can you speak more slowly, please?
✓ Correct
Can you speak more slowly? I’m learning English.
Sorry, can you speak more slowly? I need to write down the address.
Can you speak more slowly, please? I didn’t understand the price.
✗ Incorrect
Can you speak more slowly the address?
Can you speak more slowly when you talks?
Use 'speak' after 'can'. 'More slowly' tells the person how to speak. A friendly voice makes the request polite.
How to reply
Similar expressions
Could you speak more slowly, please?
A slightly more polite way to make the same request.
Please slow down.
Shorter and more direct. It can also mean to drive or move more slowly.
Don't confuse it with
Can you speak louder?
— A request for someone to speak with a louder voice.
Can you speak louder? I can’t hear you.
Common mistakes
✗ Can you speak more slowly the address?
✓ Can you speak more slowly when you say the address?
We say 'say the address', not 'speak the address'. Use 'when' to connect the two parts.
✗ Can you speak more slowly when you talks?
✓ Can you speak more slowly when you talk?
Use 'talk', not 'talks', after 'you'.
Dialogue
Mia asks Ben, a shop assistant, about a bus stop.
Mia
Excuse me. Where’s the bus stop?
Ben
Go left, walk past the bank, and turn right.
Mia
Sorry, can you speak more slowly? My English isn’t very good.
Ben
Of course. First, go left.
Mia
OK. Then past the bank?
Ben
Yes. Then turn right. The bus stop is there.
Complete the conversation
1. A: Can you speak more slowly, please?
B: ___
2. A: Am I talking too fast for you?
B: ___
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