Checking For Understanding

When having a conversation with someone, we always want to make sure that we understand what each other is saying.   It is a good conversational strategy to check, from time to time, if the person you are talking to understands what you are saying.

When, on the other hand, being asked if YOU understand what the other person is saying, you should respond honestly - that is, if you don't understand, say so, and ask the person to repeat.

Below are some useful expressions which you can use.

When You Want to Make Sure Someone Understands You

(Do you) understand what I'm saying?

(Do you) know what I mean?

(Do you) know what I'm talking about?

Does that make any sense?

Do you follow me?

Are you with me?

With me so far?

You know?

You see?

Right?

When You Understand What Someone Is Saying

I see what you're saying.

I see what you mean.

I know what you mean.

I know.

I understand what you're saying.

I'm with you.

I hear you.

I hear what you're saying.

When You Don't Understand What Someone Is Saying

 

I don't get it.

I don't follow you.

I'm not sure I get your point.

I'm not sure I know what you mean.

 

Example:

 

Dialog 1:  (between a father and his son)

Son:  I want to quit school.

Dad:  Are you serious?

Son:  Yeah!  I'm smart, I don't need to go to university...

Dad:  Listen.  I don't care how smart you are, if you don't have a good education, you can't get a good job these days.  Do you know what I mean?

Son:  Yeah, I guess.

Dad:  Education is the most thing for you right now...

Son:  OK, I hear you.

Dialog 2:  (between a computer instructor and a student)

Instructor:  To send an email, you just have to click on this button, type in the email address, or you can select an address from the address book.  Do you follow me?

Student:     I don't get it.  What address book?