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When my students first arrived in my classroom, they had memorized grammar rules and vocabulary lists, but when real conversations started, they froze. Most told me afterward, “Teacher, I don’t know what to say when someone speaks too fast” or “How do I ask someone to repeat?” These moments taught me that English learners need more than vocabulary — they need the practical expressions native speakers use every day to navigate conversations smoothly.
You’ll covers over 50 essential expressions organized into seven real-world scenarios: asking for clarification, checking your understanding, rephrasing your thoughts, confirming others understand you, changing topics naturally, adding points, and showing genuine interest. Each group includes formal and informal options so you can match the register to your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Clarification requests — master phrases like “Pardon?” and “Could you repeat that?” to handle fast or unclear speech smoothly.
- Understanding checks — use “Do you mean…?” and “If I understand right…” to avoid misunderstandings before they happen.
- Reformulating — phrases like “In other words…” and “What I’m driving at is…” help you rephrase when people don’t get your point.
- Register matters — match your expressions to context: “Pardon?” is formal, “What was that again?” is casual, “Eh?” is very informal.
- Buying time works — using “Let me see…” and “Um, well…” is natural and gives you seconds to think, not a weakness.
Asking Someone to Repeat or Clarify
When you don’t catch what someone said — whether the line is bad, they mumbled, or they spoke too quickly — you need ways to ask without sounding rude. Native speakers do this constantly.
Most Formal
- Pardon?
- I’m sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.
- I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again, please?
- Would you mind repeating that?
- Could you repeat what you just said, please?
Example: You’re in a business meeting. The speaker uses technical jargon you miss. You raise your hand and say, “Pardon? Could you repeat that last point, please?”
Neutral / Conversational
- Sorry, what did you say?
- What was that?
- Say that again, please?
- I didn’t quite catch that.
Example: A friend is telling you about their weekend. You zone out for a second. You say, “Sorry, what was that again?”
Informal / Casual
- What was that again?
- Eh?
- Mm?
- What?
- Huh?
Example: Your roommate mutters something from the other room. You call back, “What?” or just “Eh?”
Rule: In professional settings, always use “Could you repeat that, please?” Over time, shorter forms like “Pardon?” become acceptable as rapport builds, but starting formal is safer.
Checking That You Have Understood Correctly
Before responding, confirm you understood the right meaning. This saves time and prevents awkward miscommunications.
- So, what you’re saying is…?
- Do you mean…?
- If I understand right, …?
- In other words, …?
- Are you saying that…?
- I’m not sure I understand. Does that mean…?
- You’re telling me that…?
Example 1: Your manager says, “We need to pivot our Q2 strategy.” You reply, “So, if I understand right, you want us to shift focus to mobile-first, is that correct?”
Example 2: A classmate explains a grammar rule. You ask, “Do you mean that the present perfect works differently in British English?”
Rephrasing or Expressing Your Thoughts Another Way
Sometimes what you say doesn’t land. These expressions let you try again without sounding repetitive.
Signal Rephrasing
- In other words, …
- That is to say, …
- What I mean is …
- What I’m trying to say is …
- What I’m driving at is …
- …, or rather, …
- Let me put that differently …
Example: You say, “The project has some temporal constraints.” Your colleague looks confused. You add, “What I mean is, we have a tight deadline.”
Buy Yourself Time to Think
- Let me see …
- Let me think …
- Hmm, …
- Well, …
- Um, …
- You see, …
- Now, what’s the word…?
- How shall I put it?
- …, just a moment, …
Example: Your teacher asks a tough question. You pause and say, “Well, let me think about that. I’d say the key difference is…” This is far better than dead silence.
Tip: Using “Um” or “Let me see” is not a sign of weakness — native speakers do this all the time. It keeps the conversation flowing while you gather your thoughts.
Checking That Someone Understands You
You’ve explained something. Now you want to confirm they got it. These are your signals.
Formal / Professional
- Do you understand?
- I hope that’s clear.
- Do I make myself clear?
- Does that make sense?
- …, if you see what I mean.
Example: You’re training a new colleague on a process. You finish and ask, “Does that make sense? Any questions?”
Casual / Conversational
- Do you know what I mean?
- Are you with me?
- Get it?
- Right?
- Follow?
Example: You’re describing a frustrating day. You say, “…and then my train was delayed, right? So I missed the meeting.” You’re checking they’re tracking your story.
Very Informal
- Got it?
- Got the message?
- Capisce?
Changing the Subject Naturally
Shifting topics abruptly feels rude. These bridges help.
- By the way, …
- Before I forget, …
- Oh, I nearly forgot, …
- Speaking of which, …
- That reminds me, …
- Anyway, …
- On a different note, …
Example: You’ve been discussing your friend’s new job. You want to ask about their weekend. You say, “That sounds great. Oh, before I forget — did you end up going to the concert Saturday?”
Adding Another Point
When you want to expand or contradict what was just said, use these to signal your turn to speak.
- I’d like to add something.
- That’s a good point. I’d also like to say …
- I agree, but I’d like to mention …
- Another thing is …
- On top of that, …
- Not only that, but …
- Plus, …
Example: During a team discussion, a colleague says the budget is tight. You reply, “I agree. Plus, we haven’t accounted for the new licensing fees yet.”
Showing Genuine Interest and Engagement
When someone talks, these expressions show you’re listening and care about what they’re saying.
- Really?
- I see.
- Oh, yes.
- Uh-huh.
- How interesting!
- That’s fascinating.
- I know exactly what you mean.
- I see your point.
- No kidding?
- You’re joking!
Example 1: Your colleague describes a stressful client call. You respond, “Wow, that sounds frustrating. I see why you’d be upset.”
Example 2: Your friend says they learned to cook Thai food. You say, “Really? That’s amazing!”
Common Mistakes
✗ Incorrect: “Sorry, I don’t understand. Can you speak it again?”
✓ Correct: “Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again, please?”
Why: We “say” or “repeat” something, not “speak” it. “Speak” is the general verb for producing language, but “say” is the right verb for repeating specific words.
✗ Incorrect: “What did you meaning?”
✓ Correct: “What do you mean by that?” or “Do you mean…?”
Why: The verb “mean” goes in simple present, not past tense, when you’re asking someone to clarify right now.
✗ Incorrect: “I’m not understanding your point. Can you explain again?”
✓ Correct: “I’m not sure I understand. Could you explain that differently?”
Why: Use “I’m not sure I understand” instead of the continuous form “I’m not understanding.” It’s more natural and less accusatory.
✗ Incorrect: “In other words, …” followed by the exact same words you already said.
✓ Correct: Rephrase using different words or a simpler construction.
Why: “In other words” means you’re adding clarity or simplifying. If you repeat yourself word-for-word, it defeats the purpose.
Register warning: “Eh?” and “What?” are natural in casual conversation but never acceptable in formal meetings or job interviews. Stick to “Pardon?” or “Could you repeat that, please?” in professional settings.
Sample Dialogue: Coffee Shop Chat
Leo: Hey Anna, how was your presentation yesterday?
Anna: Oh, thanks for asking. Actually, it went really well. We got some great feedback on the design phase.
Leo: That’s brilliant. Er, sorry — what do you mean by “design phase”? Is that the part where you mock up the interface?
Anna: Exactly. So, if I’m being clear, it’s the phase before we start coding.
Leo: Got it. And did they ask you about the timeline?
Anna: They did. I explained we need three months, but, you know, one stakeholder pushed back.
Leo: I see what you mean — classic. Well, anyway, that’s great news. By the way, are you free Friday? I’m thinking of grabbing drinks with the team.
Anna: Yeah, I’d love to. Thanks for including me.
Quick Quiz
- You’re in a meeting and didn’t hear the speaker’s last point. What’s the most professional way to ask them to repeat it?
- A) What?
- B) Could you repeat that, please?
- C) Eh?
- Your manager explains a new project, but you’re not sure what they want. What’s the best way to check your understanding?
- A) I don’t understand.
- B) Do you mean we should focus on mobile first?
- C) What did you say?
- You want to add another point to a conversation without sounding rude. Which phrase works best?
- A) Another thing is …
- B) Also …
- C) But …
- You explained something complicated. How do you check that the other person got it?
- A) Are you listening?
- B) Do you understand?
- C) Does that make sense?
- True or False: Using “Um” or “Let me think” shows you’re unsure and weak.
- A) True
- B) False
Answers: 1. B · 2. B · 3. A · 4. C (B and C are both acceptable; C is more neutral and friendly) · 5. B (False — native speakers use these all the time)
Other Useful Daily Expressions
Ways to Say “Good Luck”
- Best of luck!
- Fingers crossed!
- Break a leg!
- You’ll do great!
- I hope everything works out.
- Wishing you all the best!
- May the force be with you. (informal / joking)
Example: Your friend has a job interview tomorrow. You say, “Break a leg tomorrow! I’m sure you’ll do great.”
Ways to Say “Congratulations”
- Well done!
- Congratulations!
- That’s the way!
- Good on you!
- You did it!
- You rock!
- Kudos!
Example: A colleague just got promoted. You say, “Congratulations! You totally deserve it.”
Ways to Say “Nice to Meet You”
- Pleased to meet you.
- It’s a pleasure to meet you.
- Nice meeting you.
- Glad to meet you.
- It’s lovely meeting you.
- Good to meet you.
- Happy to meet you.
Example: You’re introduced to someone at a networking event. You extend your hand and say, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Ways to Express “I Miss You”
- I can’t wait to see you again.
- I’ve been thinking of you.
- I wish you were here.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you.
- I can’t stop thinking about you.
- I feel sad without you.
Example: You’re texting a friend who moved abroad. You write, “Miss you tons! I can’t wait to see you at the reunion.”
Ways to Say “Just Kidding”
- Just joking!
- I’m just teasing you.
- I’m just pulling your leg.
- Don’t take it seriously!
- I was only fooling around.
- It was only a joke.
Example: You tease a friend about arriving late. Then you add, “Just joking! I’m glad you’re here now.”
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Speaking
- Important Vocabulary and Phrases for English Telephone Conversations
- Useful English Phrases for a Job Interview
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Idioms & Expressions (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Pardon?” impolite in English?
No, “Pardon?” is actually polite and formal. It’s perfect for professional settings, phone calls, and formal conversations. In casual situations, “What was that?” or “Sorry, what?” are more natural.
When should I use “if I understand right” versus “do you mean”?
Use “if I understand right” when you’re checking your interpretation of a general statement. Use “do you mean” when you want the other person to confirm or clarify a specific point. Example: “If I understand right, you’re leaving next month?” vs. “Do you mean you’re leaving the company or just this department?”
Is it okay to say “um” or “uh” in English conversations?
Yes, absolutely. Native speakers use filler words like “um,” “uh,” and “well” all the time when thinking. It’s natural and shows you’re processing information. Avoid overusing them, but one or two per minute is normal.
What’s the difference between “saying something again” and “repeating something”?
Both work, but they’re slightly different. “Could you say that again?” asks them to produce the same words. “Could you repeat that?” can mean the same thing or ask them to do an action again. Both are correct in conversation.
How formal should my expressions be in casual friendships?
With close friends, informal expressions like “What?”, “Really?”, and “I know what you mean” are standard. You can still use some formal phrases like “Could you repeat that?” if you genuinely didn’t hear them, but overall, keep it relaxed and natural to your personality.
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