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Martin, the client wants us to make the pagelighter.
Alright. I will change the background from darkblue to pale cream.
No, she means lighter as in simpler. Fewerelements.
That is a completely different kind of lighter.
And a perfect reason to check what someone meansbefore you start working.
Welcome to your English Toolbox. I am Julia.
And I am Martin.
This is Episode 5 of Everyday Useful Expressions,
our series of ready-made English for realsituations.
Today, we are learning four natural ways to askfor clarification.
And check that you understood correctly.
Our first expression is, do you mean…
Do you mean you want fewer elements on the page?
This expression offers a possible interpretation
and invites the other person to confirm or correctit.
For example, do you mean we should cancel themeeting?
Or do you mean the first option or the second one?
A typical answer is yes, exactly, or no, what Imean is…
Do you mean is more useful than simply saying,
I do not understand, because it shows what partyou think you understood.
And it makes the misunderstanding easier torepair.
Our second expression is, so what you're sayingis…
So what you're saying is that the page should feelsimpler, not brighter.
Exactly.
We use this expression to summarize anotherperson's main idea in our own words.
For example, so what you're saying is that we needmore time, not more people.
Or so what you're saying is that the priceincludes delivery.
Tone matters here.
With a calm, interested tone, it checksunderstanding.
With an angry tone, it can sound like a challenge.
So use it to clarify, not to trap the otherperson.
Our third expression is, if I understandcorrectly…
If I understand correctly, you want the newversion by Thursday.
03:00
This is neutral, careful, and especially useful inmeetings,
instructions, and professional conversations.
It shows that you are checking yourinterpretation,
not claiming that it is certainly correct.
For example, if I understand correctly, eachperson will prepare one section.
Or, if I understand correctly, there is noadditional fee.
A natural response is, yes, that's right, or notquite.
Let me explain.
The phrase gives the other person space to correctyou politely.
Our fourth expression is, could you walk methrough that?
Could you walk me through that?
This means, could you explain the process or ideastep by step?
It is useful when repeating one sentence will notbe enough.
For example, could you walk me through the newbooking system?
Or, I understand the goal, but could you walk methrough the next steps?
We often use walk someone through something.
The technician walked me through the setup.
It is friendly and professional, but it asks for afuller explanation,
so use it when you genuinely need the steps.
Do not ask someone to walk you through their name.
Unless their name has 12 parts.
Even then, another question may be better.
Let us compare all four expressions.
Do you mean, offers a possible interpretation?
So, what you're saying is, summarizes the mainidea in your own words.
If I understand correctly, checks yourinterpretation carefully.
And could you walk me through that?
Asks for a step-by-step explanation.
Time for a quick challenge.
Choose the best expression before we answer.
Situation 1.
You think next Friday means the Friday after thisone, but you want to confirm.
Do you mean Friday the 18th?
Situation 2.
A colleague gives you a long explanation and youwant to summarize the central idea.
So, what you're saying is that the original planis still possible.
Situation 3.
You want to check a professional instructionwithout sounding certain.
If I understand correctly, I should send thedocument to both teams.
Situation 4.
You need someone to explain a new system step-by-step.
Could you walk me through that?
Now, practice one complete clarification.
Begin with, if I understand correctly.
Checking understanding is not a sign of weakEnglish.
It is a sign of careful communication.
06:03
On the episode page at YourEnglishToolbox.com,
you will find five additional expressions forclarifying and checking understanding.
Each one includes its meaning, tone, two examples,and active practice.
The direct link is in the episode description.
Now, about the client's page.
Do you mean we should remove some sections?
Not quite.
So, what you're saying is that we should keep thesections but simplify the design.
Yes, that's right.
If I understand correctly, the background can staydark blue.
No, she also wants pale cream.
This project is less straightforward than Ithought.
Would you like me to walk you through it?
Please do.
See you next time, friends.
Goodbye.