Could you repeat that?
A2
Everyday Phrase
Neutral
Very Common
Meaning
A polite request for someone to say something again.
When to use it
Anyone can say it to someone they didn't hear clearly, such as a friend, shop worker or teacher. It's neutral and polite, and it's common in everyday conversation and on the phone. It's less suitable when you want an explanation rather than the same words again.
Example Sentence
Sorry, could you repeat that?
Grammar & structure
Could + you + repeat + that? Here, 'that' means what the other person just said.
✓ Correct
Sorry, could you repeat that? The phone signal's bad.
Could you repeat that, please? I didn't catch the price.
Could you repeat that? It's noisy in here.
✗ Incorrect
[Asking someone to open a window] Could you repeat that?
[Asking for directions before the other person has said anything] Could you repeat that?
Use the base verb 'repeat' after 'could you'. A calm voice makes the question sound polite.
How to reply
Similar expressions
Could you say that again?
This is also neutral and polite, with the same meaning.
Sorry?
This is shorter and common in conversation. Use a questioning tone.
I didn't catch that.
This tells the person you didn't hear clearly. They will usually say it again.
Don't confuse it with
What do you mean?
— A request for someone to explain what they said.
I heard you, but I don't understand: what do you mean?
Common mistakes
✗ [Asking someone's name for the first time] Could you repeat that?
✓ What's your name?
The person hasn't said their name yet, so there is nothing to repeat.
✗ [Asking for the meaning of a word you heard clearly] Could you repeat that?
✓ What does that word mean?
You need an explanation, not the same word again.
Dialogue
Maya asks Ben, a station worker, which platform her train leaves from.
Maya
Excuse me, which platform is the train to York on?
Ben
Platform fourteen.
Maya
Sorry, could you repeat that? I couldn't hear you.
Ben
Platform fourteen. One, four.
Maya
Fourteen. Thanks!
Ben
You're welcome.
Complete the conversation
1. A: Could you repeat that? What time does the shop close?
B: ___
2. A: Your order number is fifty-three. Sorry, the music's quite loud.
B: ___
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