© Let’s Communicate – English Speaking
Asking someone to say something again
Pardon?
I’m sorry I didn’t hear / catch what you said.
Would / Could you say that again, please?
Would / Could you repeat what you said, please?
I’m sorry, what did you say?
What was that?
Informal: What was that again …?
very informal: What? ? Eh? Mm?
Checking you have understood
So, …
Does that mean …?
Do you mean …?
If I understand right …
I’m not sure I understand. Does that mean …?
Saying something another way
In other words, …
That means …
What I mean is …
That’s to say …
…., or rather …
What I’m trying to say is …
What I’m driving at / getting at is …
Giving yourself time to think
…. oh / er / um, …
Let me see / think …
…. just a moment, …
…. you see, …
…. you know, …
How shall I put it?
…. now what’s the word … ?
Checking someone has understood you
Do you know what I mean?
…. if you see what I mean.
I hope that’s clear.
Do I make myself clear?
informal:
Are you with me?
Get it?
Right?
Very informal:
Got the message?
Changing the subject
…., by the way, …
…., before I forget, …
…., I nearly forgot, …
You want to add something
I’d like to make another point.
I’d also like to say …
You need help
I don’t understand, I’m sorry.
I’m not sure I understand what you mean.
What’s the meaning of …?
What does the word … mean?
What’s the French / the English word for …?
I didn’t hear what you said.
Can you / Could you / Would you
repeat, please?
say it again, please?
explain it again, please?
spell that word, please?
write it on the board, please?
speak louder / up, please?
speak more slowly, please?
Could you step aside, please? I can’t see the board.
You want to apologize
Sorry, I’m late.
I apologize for being late.
I’m afraid I’ve forgotten my workbook.
Don’t be dumb
I’m afraid I don’t know.
I haven’t a clue.
I’m afraid I haven’t got the faintest / slightest idea.
I’m terribly sorry but I haven’t understood the question.
Sorry I don’t know what you mean.
I’m not sure I can answer.
I’ve no idea (about) what I am expected to do.
I wish I knew.
I must admit I don’t know much about this problem.
I’m sorry but I don’t know what to say.
Showing you’re interested
Uh, uh (↗↘)
I see … (↗↘)
Really? (↗)
Oh, yes. (↗↘)
How interesting!(↗↘)
I know / see what you mean.