4. Words to use: Ask for repetition

Can you remember?

The video mentioned four sentences you can use to ask for repetition. Can you remember those four ways?

Click to show the answer. I’m sorry? ? Excuse me? ? What was that? ? Could you repeat that, please? ?

When you ask for repetition, it’s common to 

• look the speaker in the eyes
• slightly raise your eyebrows 
• smile and keep your tone light

Asking for repetition

Notice that when you use one of these phrases to ask for repetition, the speaker might think you didn’t hear, and they might just repeat what they said, like this: 

Sorry, this is the transport elevator. It’s only for people who are moving gurneys.

You: What was that? ?

I said this is the transport elevator. It’s only for people who are moving gurneys.

If you need clarification, it’s better to repeat the word/phrase that you don’t understand with a rising intonation (?), like this: 

Sorry, this is the transport elevator. It’s only for people who are moving gurneys.

Transport elevator? ?

Yeah, transport elevators are for moving patients from one floor to the next. It’s not really for people on their own. You can use those elevators over there. Those are for people.

Rising and falling intonation

Be careful. If you use the phrases I’m sorry or Excuse me with a different intonation then people might misunderstand you. 

For example, if you say I’m sorry. ? (with a falling intonation), it might sound like an apology. (Like, “I’m sorry that I bumped into you.”)

 Click to listen.

If you say, I’m sorry… (and it seems like you’re not finished), it might sound like you’re going to make a request. (Like, “I’m sorry… Could you tell me where the supervisor’s office is?”)

 Click to listen.

Culture note

In English, you can use I’m sorry to interrupt, to ask for clarification or repetition, or to apologize. Is that the same in your language(s)? 

Now you try.