Professional English: How to Politely Ask for Repetition 🗣️

Beginner Level | September 19, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

In professional conversations, you might not catch everything someone says the first time. Maybe the speaker talks quickly, there’s background noise, or the words are new to you. This is common even for native speakers. In these moments, it’s important to know how to politely ask for repetition without feeling embarrassed.

Today’s lesson will help you build confidence when you need someone to politely ask for repetition in English.

Why Repetition Matters

Asking someone to politely ask for repetition shows that you care about understanding them correctly. In business, one wrong word can lead to mistakes. By politely asking for repetition, you protect yourself from errors and show professionalism.

Phrases You Can Use

Here are some polite ways to ask someone to say something again:

“Could you repeat that, please?” (Simple and polite)
“Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?” (Casual but respectful)
“Would you mind repeating that?” (Formal and polite)
“Could you speak a little slower, please?” (Useful when the speaker talks fast)
“I want to make sure I understand. Could you repeat that?” (Shows careful listening)

Examples in Business Situations

Imagine you are in a meeting and your manager gives an important instruction. If you miss part of it, you might say:

“Sorry, I didn’t catch the last part. Could you repeat it?”

Or, during a phone call with a client, you might say:

“The line isn’t clear. Would you mind repeating that?”

These phrases help you stay polite while making sure the message is clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some learners just say, “What?” This can sound rude in English, especially in professional settings. Instead, add polite words like “sorry” or “please.” These small words make a big difference. For example, saying, “Sorry, could you repeat that, please?” or “Excuse me, I didn’t catch that” sounds much more respectful and natural. These phrases not only improve communication but also help you build positive relationships at work.

Conclusion: Building Confidence with Polite Requests

Remember, asking for repetition is a normal part of communication—even native speakers do it all the time. Using polite phrases shows that you are professional, respectful, and careful about understanding others. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel. Over time, asking for repetition will become second nature and help you build stronger connections in English conversations. The key is to politely ask for repetition with confidence, knowing it makes you sound more professional, not less.

Vocabulary List

Repeat (verb) — To say something again.
Example: Could you repeat your question?
Catch (verb) — To hear or understand something.
Example: Sorry, I didn’t catch that word.
Polite (adjective) — Showing respect and good manners.
Example: She gave a polite answer to the question.
Respectful (adjective) — Showing care for others.
Example: He was respectful when asking for help.
Formal (adjective) — Proper and professional in style.
Example: The letter used formal English.
Instruction (noun) — A direction or order.
Example: Please follow the teacher’s instructions.
Client (noun) — A person or company you do business with.
Example: The client asked for a report.
Clear (adjective) — Easy to hear or understand.
Example: The manager gave clear directions.
Embarrassed (adjective) — Feeling shy or uncomfortable.
Example: She felt embarrassed when she forgot his name.
Professionalism (noun) — Acting in a professional and respectful way.
Example: He showed professionalism during the meeting.

5 Questions About the Article

Why is it important to politely ask for repetition in business?
What is a polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves?
Why should you avoid only saying “What?”
What phrase can you use if the speaker talks too fast?
How does politely asking for repetition show professionalism?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Have you ever missed something important in a meeting? What happened?
Which phrase from the list do you feel most comfortable using?
How do people usually ask for repetition in your native language?
Why do you think polite language is important in business?
How can you practice asking for repetition in English every day?

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