DO NOT SAY 'Can you repeat?' or 'I don't understand' - ask for repetition in this BETTER way!

You need to stop saying 'Can you repeat?' or 'I don't understand'! In this advanced vocabulary lesso I explain why, and I give you 21 advanced alternatives including formal, slang and idioms.

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[wilsonsamuel_a]

1. Sorry.
2. Excuse me
3. Pardon
4. I beg your pardon?
5. What was that?
6. What did you say, sorry?
7. I don't understand, could you say that again please?
8. Sorry, what did you just say?
9. What did you say just then?
10. Sorry, I didn't quite catch that.
11. Sorry, I didn't quite get that.
12. Would you mind speaking up a bit?
13. Sorry, I'm not following what you say.
14. Wait a second - I'm a bit lost
15. Would you mind slowing down a bit? I'm struggling to follow
16. I'm not sure I understand what you mean by
17. I'm sorry to Interrupt but...
18. This is all Greek to me.
19. That was as clear as mud.
20. That went right over my head
21. What are you on about?

[EnglishwithLucy]

it's so unfair, yet again I am first!

[andreiveldman]

In aviation radio communication, it is critical to understand exactly what Air Traffic Controllers say, so if a pilot (who often is, like me, a non-native English speaker) doesn’t quite catch it, there’s a standardized request: “Say again”. It might not be the most polite or posh request, but brevity is at a premium over the radio.

[LearnAcademicEnglish]

In the United States, "What's that?" is probably the most common way to ask someone to repeat. Great lesson full of useful expressions! 👏

[yuminchen]

My personal favorite: "huh?"

[JakeBorns]

As an American, I have a few comments. 1) I thoroughly enjoy watching these videos, as they’re extremely informative, comical, and plain fun to watch. 2) I wish there were videos exactly like yours but for other languages! The format you follow and design of the video is incredible. 3) “What are you on about” is a phrase generally not spoken in the United States, but if said to me, I would 100% understand. Thank you for posting wonderful content that I look forward to watching!

[patriciagrandjean]

Dear Lucy
I just found your channel a couple of days ago and wished I had found you earlier. Your friendly nature and your ability to explain english in an easy and understandable way is amazing and because of that you have now a new subrscriber!🥳 I can see without a doubt that you love what you do. Keep up the great work! 👏

[yiyou]

As an English learner, this video helps a lot. Thank you, Lucy!

[bpniroula]

when i listen to you, often times I forget that I'm watching a video and feel you are live taking to me. Lucy you are magnetic! you've been a boon for an English learner like me

[CrazyInWeston]

I find saying "Sorry (pause) What was that?" better than "What was that sorry?" Because the "Sorry" prepares them.
As a deaf person, I say this a lot, and with people wearing masks, I'm like "I'm terribly sorry but I'm deaf and I need to lip read, is it possible you can remove your mask and repeat that?" As I rely on lip reading and I'm glad your videos come with subtitles.

[NRG]

Lucy. I can't stop watching your videos. You're the best teacher I ever had. So clear, so interesting, no native teachers maybe don´t know all the options you gave. Thank you for that. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[ashikihsan]

Thank you Lucy for teaching me these nice words to use more politely in English instead of saying I can't and I don't understand. I love joining your English class everyday Lucy. You sre great always

[nickvasilakis]

I'm a native speaker. But she has such a beautiful accent and balanced intonation - and is so easy on the eye, that I find myself watching quite happily! Seriously, she is very thorough, and really understands the difficulties for speakers of other languages. A true professional.
I hope this doesn't sound creepy. It's genuine. Stay safe!

[ChandraSekhar-uzkf]

Rather than listening I always like to watch Lucy’s expressions while speaking. In medium of communication expressions are also important. So nice of you Lucy.

[johnmortison]

A variation of #7 that is taught in military communications is "say again, please". Commonly used if there is a bad connection and the message is garbled. It's also very useful in conversation as it has a neutral feel, is clear in the intent, and is inoffensive.

[renitapuspitasari]

The most lovely english teacher I've known. It's lovely how you deliver the lessons, Lucy. Thanx a bunch

[eccentrichorse]

Do not say "Can you repeat that?"

Be a gentleman/lady
Say "huhhh??"

[iray]

My favourite phrase is definitely “Pardon?” It has such a nice subtle pronunciation. I watch your channel to perfect my vocabulary and pronunciation. Someone recently thought that I was born and bred here! It gave me such a boost and sense of achievement. 😁

[tigradigra]

The explanation is perfect, the dance is gracious! 🔥👏👏👏
Thanks a lot!

[claudiamund-cooper]

Lucy, you're a true English Rose. This video of yours leaves nothing to be desired. Top-notch.