Let's communicate
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?
Checking you have understood
- So,..- Does that mean ...?
- Do you mean ...?
- If I understand right ...
- I'm not sure I understand. Does that mean ...?
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 mean?- ...if you see what mean.
- I hope that's clear.
- Do I make myself clear?
Informal:
- Are you with me?
- Get it?
- Right?
Very informal
- Got the message ['limesid3]?
Changing the subject
-...,by the way,...-...,before l forget,...
-...,I nearly forgot,...
You want to make another point
- 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.
repeat, please?
say it again, please?
- Can you explain it again, please?
- Could you spell that word, please?
- Would you write it on the board, please?
speak louder/ up, please?
speak more slowly, please?
- Could you step aside, please? 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 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 l 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.
