say it again

Meaning

This casual phrase is used to ask someone to repeat what they just said because you didn't hear them or didn't understand. In academic environments, students use it with peers during group work or discussions. While polite, it is informal, so 'could you repeat that?' is preferred for teachers.

Examples

• I'm sorry, I didn't hear you; can you say it again?

  I'm sorry, I didn't hear you; can you say it again?

• That was a great point, could you say it again for the group?

  That was a great point, could you say it again for the group?

• I missed the page number, please say it again.

  I missed the page number, please say it again.

• Can you say it again slower? My English isn't perfect yet.

  Can you say it again slower? My English isn't perfect yet.

• If you didn't understand the instructions, just ask them to say it again.

  If you didn't understand the instructions, just ask them to say it again.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Please repeat it again.

  ✓ Please say it again.

  'Repeat' already means to say something again. Saying 'repeat it again' is redundant. Use 'say it again' or just 'repeat it'.

• ✗ Can you speak it again?

  ✓ Can you say it again?

  'Speak' refers to the general ability to use language. Use 'say' when referring to specific words or sentences.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The classroom was very noisy, so I had to ask him to ___.

  💡 Repeat the words.

  Show answer

  say it again

• Could you ___? I didn't catch the homework assignment.

  💡 Ask for repetition.

  Show answer

  say it again