Asking a Colleague to Repeat an Action Point
You missed a point at the end of the meeting — how to ask again in English without seeming inattentive.
Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test. · Worksheet (PDF)
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Comprehension test
Listen first, then answer. No penalties — every explanation points to the moment in the conversation.
It's ___ under review, yes.
Sorry, Anna, could you repeat that last point? I didn't quite ___ it — who is updating the website texts?
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode a team member misses an action point and asks again professionally: request a repeat, clarify the deadline, get it in writing. You learn the polite checking phrases ("I didn't quite catch it", "just to confirm") — and why German "aktuell" is "currently" in English, not "actually" (level B1).
Asking again is professional, not weak
Many learners avoid asking again because it might look inattentive. In English-speaking work culture the opposite is true: "Sorry, could you repeat that last point?" and "I didn't quite catch it" signal that you take ownership of your task. Anna's closing line sums up the culture: "It's always better to ask than to guess." Guess instead of asking, and you deliver the wrong thing on Friday.
"Aktuell" ≠ "actually" — the status-update classic
Daniel says "the budget is actually under review" meaning "aktuell" — at the moment. But "actually" means "in fact" and often sounds like a correction or a surprise. Anna replies with the right word: "It's currently under review." Her own "And actually, the client has already asked …" shows the true meaning: introducing a surprising fact. Remember the pair: aktuell → currently, tatsächlich → actually.
Making tasks binding: confirm + in writing
Two tools lock in the results in this episode. First, oral confirmation with "just to confirm" plus a full repeat of the task ("cost overview for the Berlin project, by Friday at twelve"). Second, the written record: "Then everyone has them in writing." This combination — confirm aloud, then document — is standard practice in international teams, especially when not everyone is a native speaker.
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Frequently asked questions
What language level is this episode for?
Level B1 (CEFR). The meeting dialogue uses clear everyday business English; the vocabulary list explains all eight key phrases bilingually.
How do I politely ask for a repeat in English?
With "Sorry, could you repeat that last point?" or "I didn't quite catch it". Then repeat the task in your own words with "just to confirm" — that shows you really understood.
What is the difference between "currently" and "actually"?
"Currently" = at the moment ("The budget is currently under review"). "Actually" = in fact ("Actually, the client wants a lower total"). German speakers mix them up because of the false friend "aktuell".
Where can I practise meeting English live?
In the online business English courses from Simmonds Language Services (englisch-lehrer.com/online): live lessons with real teachers on Zoom, for companies and individuals across Germany — starting with a free consultation.
Are the voices real?
Episodes are produced with high-quality AI voices (Hume) and editorially reviewed by our trainer team — the same method as our interactive lessons.
Want to practise these phrases in a real conversation?
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