It's noisy, they spoke fast, or the line cut out. You missed it and need to hear it again, without sounding rude or confused.
Way 1 · best default
Friendly and natural. Works with almost anyone when you simply didn't hear.
Examples
Sorry, what was that? The music's really loud.
Sorry, what was that? I was miles away.
In a conversation
A: Do you want to grab food after this?
B: Sorry, what was that? The train was going past.
Common mistake
Not: What?
Say: Sorry, what was that?
A bare "What?" can sound rude or annoyed. Adding "Sorry" fixes it.
Way 2 · my fault
You missed one part of it. Great for a name, a day or a single word.
Examples
Sorry, I didn't catch your name.
I didn't catch that last part. Was it Tuesday or Thursday?
In a conversation
A: Hi, I'm Siobhan, I'm with the design team.
B: Nice to meet you. Sorry, I didn't catch that. Siobhan?
Common mistake
Not: I didn't hear clearly your name.
Say: Sorry, I didn't catch your name.
"Catch" is what fluent speakers use here. Also, "clearly" can't go between "hear" and the object.
Way 3 · one-word quick
Just "Sorry?" with your voice going up. The fastest way, very common in the UK.
Examples
"Is this seat taken?" "Sorry?" "Is anyone sitting here?"
Sorry? I missed that, the coffee machine was going.
Way 4 · clear and polite
A clear request to hear it all again. Good for long details on the phone or at a desk.
Examples
Could you repeat that, please? I want to write it down.
Sorry, could you repeat that, please? A bit slower?
Common mistake
Not: Can you repeat again?
Say: Could you repeat that, please?
"Repeat" already means "say again", so "again" is extra. And "repeat" needs an object: "that".
Way 5 · bad signal
For phone and video calls when the sound keeps cutting out.
Examples
Sorry, you're breaking up. Can you hear me?
Sorry, you're breaking up a bit. I'll call you back.
In a conversation
A: So the main thing is we ... the ... by Friday.
B: Sorry, you're breaking up. Could you say that last bit again?
Way 6 · interview polite
Very polite. Good in interviews, exams and formal meetings.
Examples
I'm sorry, would you mind repeating the question?
Would you mind repeating the question? I want to be sure I answer it properly.
Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.
Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.
