Vanessa presents more specific and polite alternatives to saying “What?” when you did not hear or understand someone. The right choice depends on what happened: perhaps the speaker was too quiet, the words were unfamiliar, or the meaning was unclear. A short clarification request can prevent a misunderstanding and often sounds more considerate than a sharp “What?” Tone and facial expression still matter.
“Sorry, what did you say?” and “Can you say that again?” ask the speaker to repeat the words. “Can you repeat that, please?” is another direct and polite option. “What was that?” can also request repetition, but depending on tone it may sound surprised or abrupt. Vanessa encourages learners to choose a phrase that fits their relationship and the situation rather than relying on one default response.
“Could you rephrase that for me?” asks the person to express the same idea in different words, not simply repeat the exact sentence. This is useful when the words were audible but the meaning remains unclear. “Just to clarify” introduces a follow-up question or a quick check of what was understood. “I beg your pardon?” is a more formal or old-fashioned request for repetition in many everyday contexts; its tone can vary, and it may sound confrontational if spoken sharply. “Excuse me?” is another option, especially when getting someone’s attention or asking them to repeat, but context matters.
The lesson’s central idea is to be precise about the problem. If you did not hear, ask for repetition. If you heard the words but did not understand, ask for a rephrasing or explanation. If you want to confirm your interpretation, say “Just to clarify…” and repeat what you understood. These small distinctions can make conversations smoother and help both speakers repair misunderstandings.
To practise, imagine a noisy cafe. You might say, “Sorry, can you say that again?” If a technical term is unclear, ask, “Could you rephrase that for me?” Before acting on important instructions, confirm the key detail with “Just to clarify…” A calm tone makes each phrase sound cooperative rather than critical.