80 Ways to Say “Could You Please Repeat That” in English

“Could you please repeat that?” is a polite English phrase you can use when you did not hear something clearly or did not understand what someone said. It works well in conversations, phone calls, meetings, classrooms, customer service, interviews, and everyday situations.

The best alternatives to “Could you please repeat that?” are “Could you say that again, please?”, “Sorry, I didn’t catch that,” “Would you mind repeating that?”, and “Could you repeat the last part?” The best phrase depends on whether you want to sound polite, casual, professional, or specific.

This guide gives you natural ways to say “Could you please repeat that” in English with short examples for work, school, calls, online meetings, customer service, and daily conversations.

“Could You Please Repeat That” Meaning

“Could you please repeat that?” means you are asking someone to say the same thing again. You may use it because you missed the words, did not hear clearly, or need the information repeated.

It is polite, clear, and respectful. You can use it with teachers, coworkers, clients, managers, strangers, and customer service agents.

Example:

A: The meeting starts at 3:15.
B: Sorry, could you please repeat that?

Best Alternatives to “Could You Please Repeat That” by Situation

Situation	Better Phrase
General use	Could you say that again, please?
Very polite	Would you mind repeating that?
Casual chat	Sorry, what was that?
Quick reply	Sorry?
Workplace	Could you repeat the last point?
Phone call	I didn’t quite hear that.
Online meeting	Your audio cut out.
Classroom	Could you explain that again?
Customer service	Could you repeat your order number?
Missed one part	Could you repeat the last part?
Fast speaker	Could you say that more slowly?
Unclear meaning	Could you rephrase that?
Confirming	Just to confirm, did you say…?
Still unclear	Sorry, I still didn’t catch that.
Casual text	Say that again?

“Could You Please Repeat That” vs “Could You Say That Again”

These two phrases have similar meanings, but they do not sound exactly the same.

Phrase	Best Use
Could you please repeat that?	Polite or professional situations
Could you say that again?	Natural everyday conversations
Sorry, could you repeat that?	Work, school, and daily use
I didn’t catch that.	When you did not hear clearly
Could you rephrase that?	When you did not understand the meaning
Could you repeat the last part?	When you missed only one part

When “Could You Please Repeat That” Sounds Natural

“Could you please repeat that?” sounds natural when you miss information or do not hear something clearly. It works well in meetings, phone calls, classrooms, customer service conversations, and everyday discussions.

The phrase is polite and professional, making it a good choice when speaking to teachers, coworkers, managers, clients, or strangers. It is especially useful when someone is sharing important details such as names, numbers, addresses, instructions, or deadlines.

Examples:

• Could you please repeat that number?
• Could you please repeat the address?
• Could you please repeat the instructions?
• Could you please repeat the last part?

Polite Ways to Say “I Have a Question”

These alternatives help you sound respectful and approachable in conversations.

May I ask a question?
A classic polite phrase that works well in classrooms, meetings, and formal discussions.
Example: May I ask a question?

Could I ask something?
A natural and friendly way to introduce a question.
Example: Could I ask something?

Could I ask you a question?
Useful when speaking directly to one person.
Example: Could I ask you a question?

Do you mind if I ask a question?
Shows consideration before asking.
Example: Do you mind if I ask a question?

I have a quick question.
One of the most common alternatives in everyday English.
Example: I have a quick question.

I have one question.
Useful when your question is specific and limited.
Example: I have one question.

I wanted to ask something.
A softer and more conversational phrase.
Example: I wanted to ask something.

I have something I’d like to ask.
A polite option for professional and personal situations.
Example: I have something I’d like to ask.

Could I check something with you?
Helpful when you need confirmation.
Example: Could I check something with you?

When you have a moment, could I ask something?
Perfect when your question is not urgent.
Example: When you have a moment, could I ask something?

Professional Ways to Say “I Have a Question”

Professional communication often requires a balance between being direct and being polite. These phrases work well in workplaces, business meetings, and client interactions.

I have a quick question about this.
One of the most natural workplace phrases.
Example: I have a quick question about this.

Could I ask for clarification?
Useful when information is unclear.
Example: Could I ask for clarification?

Could you clarify one point?
A professional way to request additional information.
Example: Could you clarify one point?

I wanted to ask about the timeline.
Helpful when discussing schedules or deadlines.
Example: I wanted to ask about the timeline.

Could you confirm one detail?
Ideal when verifying information.
Example: Could you confirm one detail?

I have one question before we move forward.
Works well during planning and decision-making.
Example: I have one question before we move forward.

I’d like to ask about the next step.
A professional phrase for project discussions.
Example: I’d like to ask about the next step.

I was wondering if you could help me understand this.
A respectful way to request guidance.
Example: I was wondering if you could help me understand this.

Could I check one thing before we continue?
Useful during meetings and presentations.
Example: Could I check one thing before we continue?

I have a follow-up question.
A natural phrase after receiving an explanation.
Example: I have a follow-up question.

Email Phrases for Asking a Question

Email communication often requires a slightly more polished tone. Rather than writing “I have a question,” these alternatives usually sound more professional.

I have a quick question about…
Simple, direct, and widely used.
Example: I have a quick question about the report.

I wanted to ask about…
A friendly phrase that works well in business emails.
Example: I wanted to ask about the schedule.

I was wondering if…
A softer option that sounds less demanding.
Example: I was wondering if the document is available.

Could you clarify…?
Useful when details are unclear.
Example: Could you clarify the next step?

Could you confirm…?
Ideal for verifying information.
Example: Could you confirm the meeting time?

When you have a chance, could you let me know…?
A polite way to ask a non-urgent question.
Example: When you have a chance, could you let me know?

I’d like to ask about…
Professional and straightforward.
Example: I’d like to ask about the invoice.

Could you help me understand…?
Useful when requesting an explanation.
Example: Could you help me understand this section?

I have one question regarding…
A formal option for professional emails.
Example: I have one question regarding the contract.

Would you be able to explain…?
Polite and respectful.
Example: Would you be able to explain the process?

Workplace Chat Phrases for Asking a Quick Question

Messages on Slack, Teams, WhatsApp, and workplace chat platforms are often shorter and more conversational. These phrases sound natural without being too informal.

Quick question.
Short, simple, and common.
Example: Quick question.

I have a quick question.
Friendly and professional.
Example: I have a quick question.

Can I ask something?
Casual but polite.
Example: Can I ask something?

Could I check something with you?
Helpful when confirming information.
Example: Could I check something with you?

One quick question.
Signals that your request will be brief.
Example: One quick question.

Can I ask about this?
Useful when discussing a specific topic.
Example: Can I ask about this?

Do you have a second for a question?
Shows consideration for the other person’s time.
Example: Do you have a second for a question?

When you have a moment, can I ask something?
A polite option for non-urgent matters.
Example: When you have a moment, can I ask something?

Could you help me with one thing?
Natural when requesting assistance.
Example: Could you help me with one thing?

Can I run something by you?
A common workplace phrase for seeking feedback or advice.
Example: Can I run something by you?

Meeting Phrases for Asking a Question

Meetings move quickly, so it helps to have phrases that allow you to ask questions without interrupting the flow of the discussion. These options sound professional and respectful.

Before we move on, can I ask something?
A useful phrase when you want clarification before the topic changes.
Example: Before we move on, can I ask something?

I have a question about the last point.
Helps you refer to a specific part of the discussion.
Example: I have a question about the last point.

Could I ask a follow-up question?
Perfect after someone has already explained something.
Example: Could I ask a follow-up question?

Could you clarify the next step?
Useful when discussing plans, projects, or processes.
Example: Could you clarify the next step?

I have one question before we continue.
A polite way to pause the discussion briefly.
Example: I have one question before we continue.

May I ask something about the proposal?
Works well in formal business meetings.
Example: May I ask something about the proposal?

Could you explain that point further?
Helpful when you need additional detail.
Example: Could you explain that point further?

I’d like to ask about the timeline.
Useful for deadlines and scheduling discussions.
Example: I’d like to ask about the timeline.

Can we pause for one question?
A direct but polite way to enter the conversation.
Example: Can we pause for one question?

Could we go back to that point?
Useful when the discussion has moved on too quickly.
Example: Could we go back to that point?

Classroom Phrases for Asking a Question

Students often need polite ways to ask teachers, tutors, or classmates for help. These phrases sound respectful while encouraging discussion.

May I ask a question?
A traditional classroom phrase used worldwide.
Example: May I ask a question?

I have a question about the lesson.
Makes your topic clear immediately.
Example: I have a question about the lesson.

Could you explain this part?
Useful when one section is confusing.
Example: Could you explain this part?

I’m not sure I understand.
An honest and polite way to ask for help.
Example: I’m not sure I understand.

Could you go over this again?
Helpful when reviewing information.
Example: Could you go over this again?

Can I ask about the example?
Works well during discussions and exercises.
Example: Can I ask about the example?

I have a question about the homework.
A clear phrase for assignments.
Example: I have a question about the homework.

Could you show another example?
Useful when one example is not enough.
Example: Could you show another example?

Could you explain it more simply?
Helpful when the explanation feels too complex.
Example: Could you explain it more simply?

Can I check my understanding?
A great phrase for confirming that you understood correctly.
Example: Can I check my understanding?

Customer Service Phrases for Asking a Question

Customer service conversations often involve orders, accounts, appointments, deliveries, and billing information. These phrases sound clear and professional.

I have a question about my order.
Direct and easy to understand.
Example: I have a question about my order.

I have a question about my account.
Useful for account-related issues.
Example: I have a question about my account.

Could you help me with a question?
A polite way to start the conversation.
Example: Could you help me with a question?

Could you clarify the charge?
Helpful when discussing payments or billing.
Example: Could you clarify the charge?

I wanted to ask about my booking.
Useful for reservations and appointments.
Example: I wanted to ask about my booking.

Could you confirm my appointment?
A clear confirmation request.
Example: Could you confirm my appointment?

I have a question about the refund.
Useful when discussing returns or reimbursements.
Example: I have a question about the refund.

Could you explain the policy?
Helpful when rules or procedures are unclear.
Example: Could you explain the policy?

Can you help me understand this fee?
A polite way to ask about charges.
Example: Can you help me understand this fee?

I’d like to ask about the delivery.
Useful when checking shipping details.
Example: I’d like to ask about the delivery.

Ways to Ask for Clarification

Sometimes you understand most of the conversation but need more information about one specific point. These phrases help you request clarification politely.

Could you clarify something for me?
A professional and respectful phrase.
Example: Could you clarify something for me?

I need a little clarification.
Direct without sounding demanding.
Example: I need a little clarification.

I’m unclear about one point.
Useful in meetings and professional discussions.
Example: I’m unclear about one point.

I’m not sure I understand this part.
Common in classrooms and workplaces.
Example: I’m not sure I understand this part.

Could you explain what you mean?
Helpful when the meaning is unclear.
Example: Could you explain what you mean?

Could you help me understand this?
A friendly way to request guidance.
Example: Could you help me understand this?

Could you walk me through this?
Useful for processes and instructions.
Example: Could you walk me through this?

Could you make this clearer?
A straightforward request for a better explanation.
Example: Could you make this clearer?

Ways to Ask for Help Understanding Something

Sometimes repetition alone is not enough. When the issue is understanding rather than hearing, these phrases work better.

Could you help me understand this?
A polite request for guidance.
Example: Could you help me understand this?

I’m having trouble understanding this.
Honest and easy to understand.
Example: I’m having trouble understanding this.

Could you explain this in a simpler way?
Helpful when information feels complicated.
Example: Could you explain this in a simpler way?

Could you give me an example?
Examples often make explanations clearer.
Example: Could you give me an example?

Could you show me how this works?
Useful for processes, software, and procedures.
Example: Could you show me how this works?

I’m not following this part.
A natural phrase when you lose track of the explanation.
Example: I’m not following this part.

Could you break this down for me?
Useful when information feels overwhelming.
Example: Could you break this down for me?

Could you explain the main idea?
Helpful when you need a broader understanding.
Example: Could you explain the main idea?

Ways to Ask a Quick Question Without Sounding Demanding

Many people worry about interrupting or taking up someone’s time. These phrases help you sound considerate.

I have a quick question about this.
Simple, professional, and widely used.
Example: I have a quick question about this.

Could I ask one quick thing?
Friendly and conversational.
Example: Could I ask one quick thing?

When you have a moment, could I ask something?
Shows that your request is not urgent.
Example: When you have a moment, could I ask something?

Could I quickly check something?
Helpful when confirming information.
Example: Could I quickly check something?

I wanted to check one thing.
A softer alternative to asking directly.
Example: I wanted to check one thing.

Do you have a minute for a quick question?
Shows respect for the other person’s time.
Example: Do you have a minute for a quick question?

Could I ask about one detail?
Useful when discussing specifics.
Example: Could I ask about one detail?

I just wanted to ask about this.
A natural phrase in emails and conversations.
Example: I just wanted to ask about this.

Casual Ways to Say “I Have a Question”

These phrases work best with friends, family, classmates, and people you know well.

Can I ask you something?
A common everyday phrase.
Example: Can I ask you something?

I’ve got a question.
Casual and natural.
Example: I’ve got a question.

Quick question.
Short and widely used.
Example: Quick question.

I was wondering…
A softer way to introduce a question.
Example: I was wondering…

Can I ask something real quick?
Very conversational and informal.
Example: Can I ask something real quick?

I have something to ask you.
Simple and direct.
Example: I have something to ask you.

Mind if I ask something?
Friendly and relaxed.
Example: Mind if I ask something?

Can I ask about that?
Useful in casual conversations.
Example: Can I ask about that?

Phrases That Can Sound Too Direct or Awkward

Some phrases are understandable but may sound abrupt, rude, or unnatural in professional situations.

Avoid	Better
Question?	Could I ask something?
I need answers.	I have a question about this.
Answer this.	Could you clarify this?
Explain.	Could you explain this part?
I don’t get it.	I’m not sure I understand.
This makes no sense.	Could you clarify that?
Tell me now.	When you have a moment, could you explain?
I have doubts.	I have some questions.

Choosing a softer phrase often makes communication smoother and more professional.

Common Mistakes with “I Have a Question”

One common mistake is using overly short phrases such as “Question?” in workplace chats. While people may understand what you mean, it can sound abrupt. “I have a quick question” sounds more natural and polite.

Another mistake is saying “I don’t get it” in professional situations. Although this phrase is common in everyday speech, it can sound too blunt in meetings, emails, or classrooms. “I’m not sure I understand” usually creates a better impression.

Some English learners also say “I have doubts” when they simply mean they have questions. In English, “I have doubts” often suggests uncertainty or mistrust. When you need information, “I have a question” or “I have some questions” is usually more accurate.

Many people forget to provide context. Saying “I have a question” is acceptable, but “I have a question about the deadline” gives the listener immediate direction and makes the conversation more efficient.

Real-Life Examples for Work and Daily Conversations

Workplace Chat
A: I uploaded the report.
B: I have a quick question.

Email Conversation
A: Please review the proposal.
B: I wanted to ask about the timeline.

Meeting Discussion
A: Let’s move to the next topic.
B: Before we move on, can I ask something?

Classroom Situation
A: Complete questions five through ten.
B: Could you repeat the instructions?

Customer Service Call
A: Your order number is 58219.
B: Could you repeat the last digit?

Casual Conversation
A: I changed my plans for next week.
B: Can I ask you something?

Clarification Request
A: Submit the file through the portal.
B: Could you clarify the next step?

Follow-Up Discussion
A: That’s how the process works.
B: I have a follow-up question.

How to Ask a Question Politely in English

Politeness in English often comes from word choice rather than grammar alone. Small changes can make a question sound much more respectful.

Using words such as “could,” “may,” and “would” often creates a softer tone than using direct commands. For example, “Could you explain this?” usually sounds better than “Explain this.”

Adding context also helps. Compare these two examples:

I have a question.

I have a question about the project deadline.

The second version gives useful information immediately and sounds more thoughtful.

Another helpful strategy is to acknowledge the other person’s time. Phrases such as “When you have a moment” or “Do you have a minute?” make your request feel less demanding.

Finally, remember that the best phrase depends on the situation. A classroom, workplace, customer service call, and casual conversation all require slightly different levels of formality.

Summary

“I have a question” is a useful and correct English phrase, but it is not the only option. Depending on the situation, you may want to sound more polite, professional, casual, or specific.

For everyday conversations, phrases such as “Can I ask you something?” and “I have a quick question” sound natural and friendly. In professional settings, alternatives like “Could you clarify one point?” or “I have a follow-up question” often work better.

The most effective approach is to choose a phrase that matches the situation and clearly explains what you need. By using the alternatives in this guide, you can ask questions more confidently and communicate more naturally in English.

FAQs

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