Phone English · Real-life conversation
Didn’t catch their name? Here’s exactly what to say.
Someone introduces themselves on the phone, but their name goes by too quickly. You don’t need to guess or pretend you understood. Ask again, check the spelling, and confirm. These small English phrases make phone calls easier.
Start with: “Sorry, could you repeat your name, please?”
Be polite
“Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
It’s normal to ask someone to repeat something, especially on a phone call.
Be accurate
“Could you spell that for me?”
Confirm the letters before you write the name in a message, form, or appointment.
Six useful phone phrases
| Say this | When to use it |
|---|---|
| “Sorry, could you repeat your name, please?” | You heard the introduction but missed the name. |
| “I didn’t catch that.” | You need them to say it again. |
| “Could you say it a little more slowly?” | The person is speaking quickly. |
| “Could you spell that for me?” | You need to write the name correctly. |
| “So that’s Sarah, S-A-R-A-H. Is that right?” | You want to confirm the name and spelling. |
| “Perfect, thank you. I’ve got it now.” | You want to end the name check politely. |
A real phone conversation
Caller: Hello! This is Sarah calling.
You: Sorry, could you repeat your name, please?
Caller: Of course. It’s Sarah.
You: Thank you. Could you spell that for me?
Caller: Sure. S-A-R-A-H.
You: So that’s Sarah, S-A-R-A-H. Is that right?
Caller: Yes, that’s right.
You: Perfect. Thank you, Sarah!
The four-step name check
“Could you repeat your name, please?”
“Could you spell that for me?”
“So that’s Sarah, S-A-R-A-H. Is that correct?”
“Perfect. Thank you!”
If the connection is bad: “The line is a little unclear. Could you say that again, slowly?”
If you need a surname, too: “Could you spell your last name as well, please?” In some places, people say family name instead of last name.
Problem → Need → Request
I didn’t catch the name.
I need the correct spelling.
Could you repeat it and spell it for me, please?
One useful sentence: “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name. Could you repeat it and spell it for me, please?”
Your 60-second speaking challenge
- Say the repeat request out loud.
- Ask for the spelling without reading.
- Have someone give you a name such as Sarah, Daniel, or Amira.
- Repeat the name, spell it back, and say thank you.
Stop memorizing English. Start using it. · Learn it. Prepare for it. Go use it.
