Stop overusing 'Can you repeat?' or 'I don't understand' - ask for repetition in this BETTER way!

Key Concepts:

Alternatives to "Can you repeat that?", intonation, formality levels, connected speech, idioms, slang, active listening, pronunciation, Audible audiobook method.

1. Introduction: The Problem with Overusing "Can You Repeat That?"

• Many English learners rely heavily on the phrase "Can you repeat that?" which can lead to embarrassment and a reluctance to ask for clarification, hindering listening practice.
• The video aims to provide alternative phrases to improve listening skills, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

2. Audible Audiobook Method for Vocabulary and Listening Improvement:

• Method: Read a book in English while simultaneously listening to its audiobook version on Audible.
• Rationale: Reading alone doesn't improve pronunciation due to the non-phonetic nature of English. Listening while reading helps the brain connect written words with their correct pronunciation.
• Benefits: Improves pronunciation, spelling recognition, and overall comprehension.
• Audible Recommendation: Lucy recommends Audible for its extensive range of books with native narrators and its subscription model.
• Offer: A 30-day free trial with one free audiobook is available via a link in the description box.

3. Alternative Phrases for Asking for Repetition:

• "Sorry?": The most natural and common native way to ask for repetition. Intonation is crucial (down-up). Can be added to other phrases.
• "Excuse me?": Slightly more formal than "Sorry?". Can sound offensive if the intonation is wrong. Requires careful body language.
• "Pardon?": A more "posh" alternative.
• "I beg your pardon?": The most formal and potentially offensive option. Requires careful intonation and body language to indicate a genuine question.

4. Neutral Phrases for Asking for Repetition:

• "What was that?": More polite than just "What?". Can be combined with "Sorry" (e.g., "What was that, sorry?").
• "What did you say?": Similar to "What was that?". Can also be combined with "Sorry" (e.g., "What did you say, sorry?").

5. Explicitly Asking for Repetition:

• "I don't understand, could you say that again, please?": A direct and clear way to ask for repetition. The placement of "please" is flexible.

6. Requesting Repetition of a Recent Statement:

• "What did you just say?": Used to ask for the immediate repetition of the previous statement.
  • Pronunciation Tip: Connected speech example: "What did you jus-say?" (omitting the "t" sound in "just").
• "What did you say just then?": Similar to the above, emphasizing the recentness of the statement.

7. Expressing Partial Understanding:

• "Sorry, I didn't quite catch that?": Implies that some of the statement was understood. "Catch" is used as slang for "hear and understand."
• "Sorry, I didn't quite get that.": Similar to "I didn't quite catch that."

8. Addressing Volume and Clarity Issues:

• "Would you mind speaking up a bit?": A polite way to ask someone to speak louder. "Speak up" means to increase the volume of one's voice.
• "Sorry, I'm not following what you're saying.": Indicates a lack of understanding, not necessarily a volume issue.
• "Wait a second, I'm a bit lost.": Similar to "I'm not following," implying the speaker should slow down.
• "Would you mind slowing down a bit, I'm struggling to follow.": A direct request to slow down.

9. Clarifying Specific Words or Phrases:

• "I'm not sure I understand what you mean by, [word or phrase].": Used to ask for clarification on a specific term.
• "I'm not sure what you mean by, [word or phrase].": A simplified version of the above.

10. Apologizing for Interruptions:

• "I'm sorry to interrupt but would you mind repeating [what you want repeated]?": A polite way to interrupt and ask for repetition.
• "I'm sorry to butt in but...": Uses the slang phrasal verb "butt in" (to interrupt).

11. Idioms and Slang Phrases for Expressing Lack of Understanding:

• "This is all Greek to me.": Means something is impossible to understand.
• "That was as clear as mud.": A sarcastic remark implying something was very unclear. Use with caution and only with friends.
• "That went right over my head.": Means something was too complicated to understand.
• "What are you on about?": British slang meaning "What are you talking about?". "To go on about something" means to talk excessively about something. Use only with friends.

12. Conclusion: Encouragement and Tips for Asking for Repetition:

• It's important to ask for repetition to improve understanding.
• Flatter the speaker and explain your learning goals to encourage them to be patient with your requests.
• Use simple, one-word repetition questions like "Sorry?" or gestures to minimize embarrassment.

13. Additional Resources:

• Audible free audiobook offer (link in description box).
• Lucy's social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
• Lucy's vlogging channel documenting her life on an English farm (with subtitles).