Practice
Spoken English: phrases to use when you get stuck
Sign in to saveYou don't need perfect English to keep a conversation going. You need a few phrases for the moments when you do not understand.
Use short phrases to ask someone to repeat, explain, or give you time to speak.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
Could you say that again? /kʊd juː seɪ ðæt əˈɡen/
The short answer
When you get stuck, use a short, clear phrase. Ask the other person to repeat or explain, then say what you want to say.
Sorry, could you say that again?
Why it works: Use this when you did not hear or understand the whole sentence.
2 more examples
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Do you mean the meeting is on Friday?
Use it to check the part you think you heard.
Not this:
Is the meetingon Friday? What changes: This asks about the meeting. Do you mean also shows that you are checking another person's words. -
What does that word mean?
Use it when one word is new to you.
Not this:
How do you spellthat word? What changes: This asks about the letters in the word. It does not ask for its meaning.
Read the full guide
These phrases are useful at work, in a shop, on the phone, or with a friend. Say them slowly at first. You will use them more easily with time.
Ask them to say it again
Use this when you missed the words or only heard part of them. A short question is enough.
Sorry, could you say that again?
Could you speak a little more slowly, please?
Check what you heard
Say the part you think you heard. The other person can then say yes or correct it.
Do you mean the bus leaves at eight?
Ask about one clear detail, such as a day, time, place, or name.
Ask about a new word
You do not need to stop the whole conversation for one new word. Ask a simple question.
What does appointment mean?
Can you give me an example?
Start again and keep going
It is fine to stop in the middle of a sentence. Use a short phrase, then try again with easier words.
Let me say that again.
You want to explain something, but the first sentence is hard. What can you say?
Say, Let me say that again, then make the next sentence shorter.
Before you go
Remember this
Use a repair phrase when you need help in a conversation. Ask for repetition, check what you heard, ask about a word, or start again with a simple sentence.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "Spoken English: phrases to use when you get stuck"
What can I say when I do not understand spoken English?
You can say, Sorry, could you say that again? You can also ask the person to speak more slowly.
Sorry, could you say that again?
How can I check what someone said?
Start with Do you mean and repeat the detail you heard. For example, Do you mean the bus leaves at eight?
Sorry, could you write that down?
What can I say when I do not know a word?
Ask, What does that word mean? You can also ask for an example.
Do you mean the meeting is on Friday?
Is it OK to start my sentence again?
Yes. Start again with a shorter version of your idea. Use the lesson examples to choose the meaning and sentence pattern that fit your context.
Is the meeting on Friday?
Do I need to apologize many times when I ask for help?
No. One short sorry is polite. Then ask the question you need.
What does that word mean?