Clarifying names and asking someone to repeat what they said are small moments that have a big impact in real communication. A name is deeply personal. When you show that you care about saying it correctly, you show respect for someone’s identity, culture, and background. When you ask for repetition politely, you protect clarity, avoid mistakes, and keep the conversation comfortable instead of awkward.
Essential Words and Phrases
“Sorry, I did not catch your name.”
A gentle way to say you did not hear or understand the name.
Example: Sorry, I did not catch your name. Could you say it again, please?
Appropriate in almost all contexts, from professional to casual, as long as the tone is soft.
“Could you repeat your name, please?”
A direct but polite request to hear the name again.
Example: Could you repeat your name, please? I want to be sure I heard it correctly.
Suitable in meetings, introductions, and formal settings.
“I want to make sure I say it correctly.”
Shows respect and care for accurate pronunciation.
Example: I want to make sure I say it correctly. Could you pronounce your name one more time?
Excellent for international teams and cross-cultural environments.
“Could you spell that for me, please?”
Asks for the exact spelling, useful when writing someone’s name.
Example: Could you spell that for me, please, so I can write it correctly?
Professional and polite in emails, forms, registration, or official documents.
“Let me try. Tell me if I got it right.”
Invites feedback after you attempt the name.
Example: Let me try. Is it “Xiaoling”? Tell me if I got it right.
Good for building a friendly, equal atmosphere and showing humility.
“Did I pronounce your name correctly?”
Checks that you are saying the name in the right way.
Example: Did I pronounce your name correctly, or should I adjust it?
Useful at the beginning of a relationship or meeting.
“Could you say that again a little more slowly?”
Used when you understood partly but need a slower repetition.
Example: Could you say that again a little more slowly? I want to be sure I understood you.
Appropriate when dealing with unfamiliar accents or fast speech, as long as your tone is respectful.
Common Collocations
correct pronunciation
The accurate way to say a name or word.
Example: Thank you for helping me with the correct pronunciation of your name.
full name
A person’s complete name, including given name and family name.
Example: Could I have your full name for the registration form?
preferred name
The name or form someone wants others to use.
Example: What is your preferred name in meetings?
polite request
A respectful way of asking for something.
Example: Could you repeat that, please? is a polite request for repetition.
clear communication
Communication that is easy to understand and free of confusion.
Example: Clarifying names is a small step that supports clear communication.
misheard name
A name that was heard incorrectly.
Example: I am sorry, I think I misheard your name. Could you repeat it?
cultural sensitivity
Awareness and respect for cultural differences, including names.
Example: Asking how to say someone’s name shows cultural sensitivity.
Functional Expressions
Clarifying a Name You Did Not Hear
- Sorry, I did not catch your name.
Softens the fact that you did not hear it. - Could you repeat your name, please?
Clear and polite. - I missed your name at the beginning. What is it, please?
Admits you missed it, keeps the tone friendly.
Asking About Pronunciation
- I want to make sure I pronounce your name correctly.
Shows respect and care. - Could you help me with the pronunciation of your name?
Invites the person to guide you. - How do you prefer your name to be pronounced?
Recognizes that there may be more than one way.
Asking for Spelling
- Could you spell your name for me, please?
Useful when you must write the name. - Would you mind spelling that so I can write it correctly?
Adds appreciation and reason. - Can you type your name in the chat for me?
Practical for online meetings.
Confirming You Understood
- So your name is “Mariana”, is that right?
Repeats and checks with rising intonation. - Let me try. Is it “Hassan”?
Shows effort and invites correction. - Did I say it correctly, or should I adjust it?
Keeps the door open for feedback.
Asking for Repetition of Other Information
- Sorry, could you say that again, please?
General repetition request. - Could you repeat that a little more slowly?
Focuses on speed, not on the person. - I want to be sure I understood. Could you repeat the last part?
Shows responsibility for understanding, not blame.
Mini-Dialogues
Clarifying a name in a live training
A: Welcome, everyone. To start, could you introduce yourselves?
B: Hi, I am Shreya.
A: Sorry, could you repeat your name, please?
B: Shreya.
A: Thank you, Shreya. Nice to meet you.
Asking for pronunciation in a small team
A: Your name is written “Nguyen”. How do you prefer it to be pronounced?
B: You can say it like “Win”.
A: Thank you. I want to make sure I say it correctly in meetings.
Spelling a name in a phone call
A: May I have your full name for the booking?
B: Yes, it is Aleksandra Nowak.
A: Could you spell that for me, please, so I can write it correctly?
B: Sure…
Asking to repeat other information
A: We will meet at three in the afternoon next Monday.
B: Sorry, could you repeat that a little more slowly?
A: Of course. Three in the afternoon, next Monday.
B: Thank you, that is clear now.
Checking if you said it right
A: My name is Ioannis.
B: Let me try. Ioannis. Did I say that correctly?
A: That is very close, yes.
B: Great, thank you for correcting me.
Extended Dialogue
Context: Online project meeting with international participants. One new member joins.
Facilitator: Hi everyone, thanks for joining today’s call.
New member: Hello, nice to meet you all.
Facilitator: Nice to meet you too. I am afraid I did not catch your name. Could you repeat it for me, please?
New member: Sure, it is Zeynep.
Facilitator: Thank you. I want to make sure I say it correctly. Zeynep. Did I pronounce your name correctly?
New member: Yes, that is good. Thank you for asking.
Colleague: Hi, Zeynep. Welcome to the team.
Facilitator: Great. Before we start, could everyone see and hear clearly?
Colleague: Yes, all good here.
New member: Same here.
Facilitator: Perfect. Zeynep, could you briefly introduce yourself to the group?
New member: Of course. I am joining as a data analyst. I will support reporting and dashboards.
Facilitator: Thank you. And one more time, just to be sure, could you spell your name so we can update our contact list correctly?
New member: Yes, it is Z e y n e p.
Facilitator: Got it, thank you.
Colleague: I wrote it down. If I say it incorrectly at any point, please tell me.
New member: I will, thank you. I appreciate that.
Facilitator: Great. Now that we are all introduced, let us move on to today’s agenda and discuss the next steps for the project.
Grammar Focus
Using “could” and “would” for polite requests
“Could” and “would” are common for polite questions about names and repetition. They make the request softer and less direct.
Examples:
Could you repeat your name, please?
Could you spell that for me?
Would you mind saying that a little more slowly?
Indirect questions
Indirect questions are used to keep a respectful, gentle tone.
Examples:
I did not catch your name. Could you tell me what it is again?
Could you let me know how you prefer your name to be pronounced?
Do you know if I am saying your name correctly?
Using “want to make sure” to show positive intention
This pattern explains the reason for your request and makes it feel more considerate.
Examples:
I want to make sure I say your name correctly.
I want to make sure I understood that last point.
I want to make sure I write your name accurately.
Pronunciation and Intonation Tips
Place clear stress on the key polite words, often “please”, “name”, “again”, to make the message easy to catch.
Use a gentle rising intonation at the end of clarification questions: “Could you repeat your name, please?” so it sounds like a true question, not a command.
Slow down slightly when you repeat the person’s name; this shows care and helps your mouth adjust to new sounds.
Keep your overall rhythm calm and steady. If you speak too fast, your request may sound nervous or impatient.
Use a warm, soft tone on the apology word “sorry” so it does not sound heavy or overly emotional.
Avoid a sharp tone on “what” or “again” because that can sound annoyed.
Practise linking words smoothly: “did not” can become “didn’t”, but keep it clear, not messy.
Shadowing Practice
Sorry, I did not catch your name. Could you repeat it, please?
I want to make sure I say your name correctly.
Let me try your name. Tell me if I am saying it right.
Repeat slowly several times, then at a natural speed, then with confident, warm intonation.
Common Mistakes
X: What? Say your name again.
✓: Sorry, I did not catch your name. Could you repeat it, please?
Short, direct commands sound rude.
X: Repeat this.
✓: Could you repeat that, please?
Using “could” and “please” makes the request polite.
X: Spell me your name.
✓: Could you spell your name for me, please?
The verb pattern is wrong in the incorrect version.
X: I want say correct your name.
✓: I want to make sure I say your name correctly.
Word order and grammar must support a clear message.
X: I did not caught your name.
✓: I did not catch your name.
“Catch” is the correct base form after “did not”.
Final Speaking Challenge
Clarifying names and asking for repetition are not small technical skills—they are relationship skills. They show how much respect you have for the person in front of you, how carefully you listen, and how committed you are to clear, human communication. A correctly spoken name builds trust instantly. A polite request for repetition prevents misunderstandings before they appear. These moments create an atmosphere where cooperation feels easy and every participant feels seen and valued.
“When you clarify a name or ask someone to repeat themselves, you show that accuracy and understanding matter to you.”
Continue Learning
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Cultural Differences in Greetings
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