Many non-native speakers find voice calls challenging. Not being able to see the other person's facial expressions or the shape of their mouth makes it more difficult to understand what they are saying. Here are some ways you can let someone know it is difficult to hear or understand them on the phone:
I'm sorry, the line is not very good. |
You're breaking up a bit. |
I lost you there for a moment. Could you repeat that? |
Sorry, I didn't quite hear you. |
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Sometimes, it's difficult to make yourself understood, particularly if you are explaining a difficult concept or a technical detail. In these situations, you might want to check if the person or people you are talking to can understand what you mean:
Do you understand me? |
Do you follow? |
Do you understand what I mean? |
Have you got it? |
Do you get what I mean? |
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If the person you are talking to finds it difficult to understand, you can rephrase or deliver the information again in another way:
Sorry, let me explain… |
Let me clarify… |
To put it differently… |
To put it in another way… |
Allow me to rephrase that. |
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With these phrases, you should be able to communicate your needs; ask someone to slow down; check that you understand; and ask for the same information to be repeated or explained differently.
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In the table below, we have arranged some phrases from above by category, to help you learn how and when to use them:
Asking to Repeat Something | Checking You Have Understood Correctly | Checking The Other Person Has Understood | Asking The Other Person to Slow Down |
|---|---|---|---|
Could you repeat that for me? | Can I check if I have that right? | Do you understand what I mean? | You are speaking a little too fast for me to keep up. |
Could you say that again? | So, to summarise…what you are looking for is… | Do you get what I mean? | I’m sorry, would you mind speaking more slowly, please? |
I didn’t quite catch/get that, sorry. | I just want to be sure I understood correctly… | Do you follow? | I’m taking some notes here. Could you slow down a bit, please? |
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On the next page, you will find some questions to test what you have learned.