Phrases used in everyday conversation by Liveme hosts
Expressions you can use to ask someone to say something else
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?
What was that again…?
What?/ Eh/ Mm?
Expressions to check if you understand
So,…
Does that mean…?
Do you mean…?
If I understand right…
I’m not sure I understand. Does that mean…?
Expressions you can use to say something differently
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…
…, oh/ er/ um, …
Let me see / think …
…, just a moment, …
…, you see, …
…, you know, …
How shall I put it?
…, now what’s the word…?
Expressions that can be used to check that someone understood you
Do you know what I mean?
… if you see what I mean
I hope that’s clear
Do I make myself clear
Are you with me?
Get it?
Right?
Got the message?
…, by the way,…
…, before I forget, …
…, I nearly forgot, …
Expressions to use when 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?)
Expressions you can use to show you’re interested
Uh, uh
I see …
Really?
Oh yes
How interesting!
I know / see what you mean