20 Other Ways to Say “I Beg Your Pardon”

One of those timeless, classic phrases that many of us have heard since we were young is “I beg your pardon.” It is appropriate for a variety of social settings and is formal and courteous.

But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels a bit too stiff, old-fashioned, or overused for the situation at hand. Maybe you need something that’s a bit more modern, or perhaps you’re in a setting where humor or sarcasm would be more fitting.

When someone says something so unexpected that you need a moment to process it, or when you are caught off guard, think about those times.

Communication can become more interesting and less repetitive when you have a range of phrases in your conversational toolbox, whether you are at a formal dinner party, out on a casual get-together with friends, or just attempting to handle an awkward situation. 

Having different ways to express yourself especially when you need someone to repeat or clarify something can make interactions smoother and even more entertaining.

The goal is to sound natural, relatable, and, when the situation calls for it, to add a dash of humor or flair.

So, if you’re looking to replace “I beg your pardon” with something creative, look no further, here’s an article of a detailed list of alternatives, complete with relatable examples to guide you.

20 Other Ways to Say “I Beg Your Pardon”

1. Come Again?
2. Excuse Me, What Now?
3. Say What?
4. Sorry, Could You Run That By Me Again?
5. Hold On, Did I Hear That Right?
6. Wait, What?
7. Sorry, Come Again?
8.  Pardon Me?
9. You’re Joking, Right?
10. Did I Just Hear You Correctly?
11. Wait, Say That Again?
12.  I’m Sorry, What Now?
13. Huh?
14. Come Again? I Must Have Misheard You
15.  I’m Going to Need You to Repeat That
16. Excuse Me, Did You Really Just Say That?
17. You Can’t Be Serious
18. I’m Sorry, What Did You Just Say?
19. Did You Just Say What I Think You Said?
20.  Please Tell Me I Misheard

1. Come Again?

This expression is a casual way to ask someone to repeat themselves, often when you’re caught off guard.  

• Example 1 (Casual): Wait, you want to skydive off a mountain? Come again?

2. Excuse Me, What Now?

Use this phrase  when something is so surprising that you need a moment to comprehend it. 

• Example 1 (Sarcastic): Excuse me, what now? You’re telling me the cake is made of tofu?
• Example 2 (Witty): Excuse me, what now? Did you just volunteer to babysit a lizard?

3. Say What?

This phrase is simple and often used for comedy effect. It’s perfect for light-hearted or confusing situations.

• Example 1 (Humorous): Say what? You’re planning a road trip to Antarctica?
• Example 2 (Casual): Say what? The concert is sold out already?

4. Sorry, Could You Run That By Me Again?

Here is another creative way to say “I beg your pardon.” This phrase sounds polite but can carry a hint of mischief.  

• Example 1 (Polite): Sorry, could you run that by me again? You mean I have to present tomorrow?
• Example 2 (Witty): Sorry, could you run that by me again? Did you really say ‘free unlimited coffee’?

5. Hold On, Did I Hear That Right?

 Use this when you’re genuinely shocked or need to double-check something surprising. You can also use it with your buddy or colleague.

• Example 1 (Curious): Hold on, did I hear that right? You’re moving to Paris next month?
• Example 2 (Humorous): Hold on, did I hear that right? You’ve never seen ‘The Lion King’?

6. Wait, What?

 Here is a brief, casual phrase often used in moments of disbelief or confusion. It’s used to get clarity in a conversation.

• Example 1 (Funny): Wait, what? You mean pineapple pizza is your favorite?
• Example 2 (Surprised): Wait, what? The boss wants me to sing at the office party?

7. Sorry, Come Again?

This is another more polite way of asking someone to repeat themselves.  

•  Example 1 (Formal): Sorry, come again? I didn’t quite catch the last part of your instructions.
• Example 2 (Casual): Sorry, come again? You said you’re moving to Mars?

8. Pardon Me?

‘Pardon me’  is a phrase variation that maintains a degree of politeness, yet can be used with humor depending on tone.  

• Example 1 (Formal): Pardon me? Did you say I won the contest?
• Example 2 (Humorous): Pardon me? You want to go camping in December?

9. You’re Joking, Right?

 The phrase ‘you’re joking, right?’ is  one that expresses disbelief, often with a humorous or sarcastic tone.

•  Example 1 (Sarcastic): You’re joking, right? You really think I can cook for twenty people?
•  Example 2 (Witty): “You’re joking, right? You actually bought a pet tarantula?

10. Did I Just Hear You Correctly?

‘Did I Just Hear You Correctly?’ is a polite yet expressive way to ask for clarification.  

•  Example 1 (Formal): Did I just hear you correctly? The project deadline was moved to today?
• Example 2 (Humorous): Did I just hear you correctly? You think cats are superior to dogs?

11. Wait, Say That Again?

This phrase is perfect for moments of genuine confusion or surprise. If you want to confuse your friend then this is a perfect  phrase to use.

• Example 1 (Curious): Wait, say that again? The movie starts at midnight?
•  Example 2 (Funny): Wait, say that again? You ran into a celebrity at the grocery store?

12. I’m Sorry, What Now?

 This expression adds humor to the conversation, and is perfect for situations that feel unexpected.  

• Example 1 (Sarcastic): I’m sorry, what now? You want me to run a marathon?
• Example 2 (Witty): I’m sorry, what now? You’re taking up yodeling as a hobby?

13. Huh?

A short and simple, yet almost universal sound of confusion that works well in informal settings.  

• Example 1 (Casual): Huh? You’re leaving for Australia tomorrow?
• Example 2 (Humorous): Huh? Did you just say you met your doppelgänger?

14. Come Again? I Must Have Misheard You

 This phrase indicates that you might not have heard correctly, and is often used in formal settings.  

• Example 1 (Polite): Come again? I must have misheard you. You’re moving to New York?
• Example 2 (Casual): Come again? I must have misheard you. You bought a horse?

15. I’m Going to Need You to Repeat That

‘I’m Going to Need You to Repeat That’ is a direct yet friendly way of asking for clarification from the speaker.

• Example 1 (Witty): I’m going to need you to repeat that. Did you just say you won the lottery?
• Example 2 (Humorous): I’m going to need you to repeat that. You’ve never tried ice cream?

16. Excuse Me, Did You Really Just Say That?

 This is a phrase that can be playful or serious, depending on your tone and can be used for reiteration purposes. 

• Example 1 (Sarcastic): Excuse me, did you really just say that? You prefer Mondays over Fridays?
•  Example 2 (Witty): Excuse me, did you really just say that? Pineapple belongs on pizza?

17. You Can’t Be Serious

 Use this phrase for moments when what you hear is hard to believe.  

•  Example 1 (Humorous): You can’t be serious. You actually climbed Mount Everest?
• Example 2 (Casual): You can’t be serious. You’ve never eaten sushi?

18. I’m Sorry, What Did You Just Say?

 A straightforward phrase for moments of disbelief or confusion, and also reiteration.

•  Example 1 (Formal): I’m sorry, what did you just say? The meeting got rescheduled?
•  Example 2 (Witty): I’m sorry, what did you just say? You bought a one-way ticket to Bali?

19. Did You Just Say What I Think You Said?

 This phrase is perfect for when you’re not sure if you heard correctly and need confirmation.  

•  Example 1 (Curious): Did you just say what I think you said? You got engaged?
• Example 2 (Humorous): Did you just say what I think you said? You adopted a pet iguana?

20. Please Tell Me I Misheard

 Use this one when you really hope that what you heard isn’t true.  It is used to express utter disbelief.

• Example 1 (Funny): Please tell me I misheard. You’re moving across the country?
• Example 2 (Sarcastic): Please tell me I misheard. You ate the last slice of cake?

Conclusion 

Finding the right words to express politeness and seek clarity can improve your communication expertise.

Replacing “I beg your pardon” with creative alternatives not only keeps your conversations fresh but also ensures they feel more creative and relatable.

The 20 phrases I have explored in this article offer versatility, allowing you to adapt your tone for formal, casual, or even humorous situations.

Incorporating these options into your vocabulary can help maintain courtesy while leaving a positive impression on those you interact with. 

Remember, effective communication is about more than just words, it’s about connection and understanding.

Moreover, with choosing the phrase that best suits the situation and your audience, you can ensure your message is received with clarity and respect.

So, don’t be afraid to step away from the traditional and embrace new expressions that resonate with your style and intentions.