Asking Someone to Repeat or Explain
Learn natural phrases for asking again without feeling embarrassed or sounding rude.
Learning Flow
Learn -> Practice -> Challenge
After This Lesson
Use the lesson in real situations
Practice with helpful SONA feedback
Complete the challenge with clear answers
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Learning outcome
Learning Goal
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Learning outcome
Learning Goal
Ask someone to repeat a missed detail politely.
Ask for explanation when the meaning is unclear.
Confirm your understanding after hearing the explanation.
Use tone that fits formal, neutral, or informal settings.
Where you will use it
Real-Life Context
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Where you will use it
Real-Life Context
Use repeat requests on calls, at counters, in class, and during travel.
Use explanation requests for unfamiliar phrases, instructions, and rules.
Use confirmation after the person explains, so both sides know you understood.
Polite requests make repetition feel normal, not embarrassing.
Teacher explanation
Core Learning
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Teacher explanation
Core Learning
Ask for the exact missed part
Name the part you missed instead of asking for everything again.
Could you repeat the address, please?
Sorry, I missed the last instruction.
Ask for meaning
When words are clear but meaning is not, ask for explanation.
What does reference number mean here?
Could you explain this step in simple words?
Confirm after explanation
After the person repeats or explains, check your understanding.
So you mean I should upload the file today?
I understood that the payment is due tomorrow, is that right?
Useful phrases
Key Expressions
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Useful phrases
Key Expressions
neutral
Repeat requests
Use when you did not hear clearly.
Could you repeat that, please?
Sorry, I missed the last part.
Would you mind saying the number again?
neutral
Explanation requests
Use when the words are clear but meaning is unclear.
Could you explain that in simple words?
What does that phrase mean?
Could you clarify this step?
formal
Formal requests
Use with officials, customers, teachers, and seniors.
Would you mind repeating the instruction?
May I ask what that term means?
Could I confirm my understanding?
Tone choice
Formal vs Informal
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Tone choice
Formal vs Informal
formal
Respectful request
Use when you need extra politeness.
Would you mind repeating the reference number, please?
neutral
Clear request
Use in most daily situations.
Could you say that again, please?
informal
Quick repeat
Use with familiar people.
Sorry, what was the last part?
Short natural exchanges
Mini Conversations
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Short natural exchanges
Mini Conversations
Phone call
Your reference number is TX4921.
Sorry, I did not catch the reference number.
It is TX4921.
Thank you. TX4921, is that right?
The listener asks for the exact missed detail.
Class instruction
Submit the worksheet through the portal.
Could you explain what portal means here?
It is the online class website.
Got it. So I should upload it online.
The listener asks for meaning, then confirms.
Service counter
Please collect it from the dispatch desk.
Could you repeat the desk name, please?
The dispatch desk.
Thank you. I will go there now.
The request is polite and specific.
Sound natural
Natural English Tip
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Sound natural
Natural English Tip
It is better to ask once than to pretend and make a mistake.
Could you repeat is enough for sound; could you explain is better for meaning.
After an explanation, confirm with so you mean if the action matters.
Gentle correction
Common Mistakes
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Gentle correction
Common Mistakes
Avoid: Repeat again fast
Use: Could you repeat that slowly, please?
Repeat already means say again, and slowly is more useful than fast.
Avoid: Explain me
Use: Could you explain it to me?
Use explain something to someone.
Avoid: What meaning this?
Use: What does this mean?
The improved question has natural word order.
Avoid: Say properly
Use: Could you say that again more clearly, please?
The better phrase is polite and specific.
Context matters
Cultural/Context Note
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Context matters
Cultural/Context Note
Asking for repetition is normal in global English, especially across accents, phones, and noisy places.
Politeness matters more when asking strangers, officials, or seniors to repeat themselves.
Write and get feedback
Practice
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Write and get feedback
Practice
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Apply it once
Real-Life Scenario
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Apply it once
Real-Life Scenario
Missing an important detail during a call
You hear the instruction but miss the room number and do not understand one word.
Ask for the missed detail.
Ask for meaning in simple words.
Repeat what you understood.
Thank the speaker and continue.
Submit your answer
Challenge
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Submit your answer
Challenge
Write 4 polite repeat-or-explain requests.
Ask someone to repeat a missed detail.
Say you did not catch the last part.
Ask someone to explain a word or step.
Confirm your understanding after explanation.
Personal coaching
SONA Tutor Feedback
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Personal coaching
SONA Tutor Feedback
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Mission Complete
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Mission Complete
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