Can you say that again?

LUKE : Hello? Hi, Stephanie, how are things at the office?

STEPHANIE : Hi, Luke! How are you? Can you please stop and pick up extra paper for the computer printer?

LUKE : What did you say? Can you repeat that, please? Did you say to pick up ink for the printer? Sorry, the phone is cutting out.

STEPHANIE : Can you hear me now! No, I need more computer paper. Listen, I'll text you exactly what I need. Thanks, Luke. Talk to you later.

LUKE : Thanks, Stephanie. Sorry, my phone has really bad reception here.

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Language notes

• There are a few ways to express a lack of understanding and to request additional information. The most common ones are stated, but you can also say "Excuse me." or simply "I can here you." In a more formal situation, try saying "I'm sorry?" or "I beg your pardon?" (with a rising intonation).


• When asking someone to clarify information try saying Can you please repeat that? / Can you spell that for me? / Can you please write down the address for me?


• Cutting out describes a difficulty in understanding a caller due to poor cellphone reception. If you are having trouble understanding the caller, you can also say The line is breaking up. / I am losing you. if the phone call is disconnected because of poor reception, you can say The call dropped.


• Talk to you later is the equivalent in a phone conversation of "See you later." regular, face-to-face conversation.


• Reception here means the availability of cellular service, the possibility to receive and give calls on a cellphone. Cellphone reception can be limted in remote areas, inside large buildings or underground(in the subway, for instance.)