18 Phrases for Confirming Understanding
Making sure you’ve understood someone—and that they’ve understood you—is essential in English communication. These 18 phrases for confirming understanding will help you avoid misunderstandings, sound polite, and keep conversations flowing smoothly. Whether you’re in a meeting, classroom, or casual chat, clarity builds confidence.
Common Ways to Say ‘So, You Mean…?’
Gentle & Polite Checks
- So, just to check… A soft, respectful way to confirm details before acting. So, just to check, the meeting is at 3 PM, right?
- Let me make sure I understand. Shows you’re paying attention and want to get it right. Let me make sure I understand—you need the report by Friday?
- Do you mean…? Perfect for clarifying a specific point. You said “next week”—do you mean Monday or later?
- Just to be clear… Helps prevent mistakes in instructions or plans. Just to be clear, I should send the file to your personal email?
- So, if I understand correctly… A complete and polite summary-check. So, if I understand correctly, we’re changing the launch date to June?
Casual & Conversational
- Wait, so…? Quick and natural in relaxed chats. You’re moving to Barcelona? Wait, so you’ll be gone next month?
- Got it—so…? Confirms you heard, then checks the implication. Got it—so I don’t need to bring my laptop?
- You’re saying that…? Rephrases what you heard to verify. You’re saying that the deadline was extended?
- So, in other words…? Great for simplifying complex ideas. So, in other words, we’re only focusing on social media this quarter?
- So, what you’re telling me is…? Slightly more direct—best with people you know well. So, what you’re telling me is I passed the test?
Professional & Formal
- Could you confirm that…? Polite and appropriate in emails or meetings. Could you confirm that the budget has been approved?
- To confirm, we’ll… Useful for summarizing agreements. To confirm, we’ll submit the proposal by Thursday.
- Am I correct in understanding that…? Very formal—but clear and respectful. Am I correct in understanding that all team members must attend?
- Would it be accurate to say that…? Ideal for academic or technical discussions. Would it be accurate to say that this model predicts market trends?
Checking Others’ Understanding
- Does that make sense? Friendly and common after explaining something. I’ll send the link and instructions—does that make sense?
- Is everything clear so far? Great for teachers, trainers, or group leaders. We’ve covered the first three steps—is everything clear so far?
- Do you have any questions about that? Encourages others to speak up if confused. You’ll handle the client call tomorrow—do you have any questions about that?
- Would you like me to go over that again? Kind and supportive—shows patience. That was a lot of info—would you like me to go over that again?
Real-Life Dialogues
Manager: So, Priya will lead the presentation, and you’ll handle Q&A.
Employee: Just to be clear, I only answer questions after her part, right?
Manager: Exactly. Does that make sense?
Student: I’m not sure I got the homework.
Teacher: Sure! We’re writing a 300-word summary. Is everything clear so far?
Student: Yes—so, if I understand correctly, it’s due Friday?
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Asking your boss to clarify instructions | So, just to check… | Polite, professional, and shows attention to detail. |
| Checking if a friend understood your plan | Got it—so…? | Casual and natural in relaxed conversations. |
| Teaching or leading a group | Is everything clear so far? | Encourages participation and prevents confusion. |
| Confirming a big decision in writing | To confirm, we’ll… | Clear, concise, and creates a written record. |
Practice Tip
After your next conversation in English, try using one phrase to confirm what you heard—or ask if the other person understood you!
Why This Matters
- Using these 18 phrases for confirming understanding reduces miscommunication and builds trust.
- They make you sound more fluent, thoughtful, and engaged—not just passive or confused.
- These phrases are essential for success in school, work, and everyday life in English-speaking environments.
Clear communication starts with checking understanding—and now you’ve got the tools to do it with confidence. Try using one of these 18 phrases for confirming understanding in your next conversation. You’ll be amazed how much smoother things go! Happy learning! 😊