In the world of business and frequent meetings, you will receive a lot of information. So, we always suggest you to stay away from (avoid/don’t use) the sentence, “I don’t understand.” That can so easily be interpreted as, “I don’t speak English” and we know that you do speak English and are trying your very best when doing it.

So, let us recommend some expressions you can use when you don’t understand something:

From Formal to Informal:                                                             

I beg your pardon?

I’m sorry, could you run that by me again?

I’m not sure I understand your point.

I’m not sure I know what you mean.

Could you be more specific?

Could you elaborate on that?

Would you give me an example?

Excuse me?

Important! Avoid using “What?” It is considered very rude or impolite

If you think you heard it, but want to make sure it is correct:                                    

If I understood correctly, you have said…

Let me see if I have that right…(repeat what they have said to you)

Do you mean…?

In other words, what you are saying is…

Finally, if someone does not understand you, here are some helpful expressions:                      

Allow me to explain myself.

Let me put it differently. What I was trying to say was…

In other words…

Sorry, let me say that again.

A short video on 5 ways to listen better (a fascinating video for levels B1 and up)

A short podcast on asking for clarifications (Level A2 and up)

Great tip on how to take control of the English Language

 

 

Photo Source: http://notesondesign.tumblr.com/page/18