Asking for Clarification -Unit 2 (Ticket to English)

Asking for Clarification

In order to avoid misunderstanding one has to ask for clarification to make sure one understands the message in the right way. If one is asked for clarification one has to give it and check for understanding. Here are some common phrases and expressions you can use to express your lack of understanding and ask for clarification in English.

Checking for Understanding:  Do you understand?  Are you following me?  Do you understand what I mean?  Do you understand what I’m saying?  Any questions?  Got it?	Expressing lack of understanding:  I don’t get it.  Sorry, I didn’t get your point.  What do you mean?  I’m not sure I got your point.  I beg your pardon, but I don’t quite understand.  I don’t quite follow you.  I’m sorry. I don’t understand what you mean.  Sorry, I didn’t quite hear what you said.
Asking for clarification:  Could you clarify that, please?  Could you explain that, please?  What do you mean by that?  Could you say that again, please?  Could you repeat, please?  Could you put it differently, please?	Clarifying:  Sorry, let me explain…  Let me clarify it for you…  To put it differently…  Let me put it in another way…
Showing Understanding:  I see.  I understand.  I got it.  Ok, I got what you mean.  I understand what you mean.

LETS PRACTICE !

Karim : What was the boss talking about?
Kamal : Weren't you listening?
Karim: Yes. But, I didn't quite understand what he meant.
Kamal: He said no one is getting a raise this year.
Karim: That's ridiculous.
Kamal: I know. The managers are all getting bonuses.
Karim: The company made a profit too.
Kamal: I don't know what's going on.
Karim: I'm going to ask for a clear explanation.
Kamal: Good luck. You may lose your job.