Vocabulary practice · Episode 135

Review the useful expressions from the episode

Study the episode’s central expressions with English definitions, nuance and examples, plus reviewed support-language versions where available.

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A short study session

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  1. Choose one expression. Read its definition, nuance and examples.
  2. Make it yours. Write one true sentence from your own life.
  3. Return to the episode. Listen for the expression in its original context.

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Vocabulary from the episode

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Expression 1

Do you mean...?

A question that offers a possible interpretation and asks the other person to confirm or correct it.

Nuance: It is more constructive than only saying “I do not understand” because it reveals the interpretation you are checking.

Do you mean we should cancel the meeting?

Do you mean the first option or the second one?

Expression 2

So, what you’re saying is...

A phrase used to summarise another person’s main idea in your own words.

Nuance: With a calm tone it checks understanding; with an angry tone it can sound confrontational. Use it to clarify, not to trap someone.

So, what you’re saying is that we need more time, not more people.

So, what you’re saying is that the price includes delivery.

Expression 3

If I understand correctly...

A careful phrase for checking whether your interpretation is accurate.

Nuance: Neutral and professional. It presents your understanding as provisional and gives the other person room to correct you politely.

If I understand correctly, each person will prepare one section.

If I understand correctly, there is no additional fee.

Expression 4

Could you walk me through that?

Could you explain the process or idea step by step?

Nuance: Friendly and professional, but it requests a fuller explanation. Use the pattern “walk someone through something” for processes, systems or sets of steps.

Could you walk me through the new booking system?

I understand the goal, but could you walk me through the next steps?

Expression 5

Could you clarify what you mean by...?

Could you explain more precisely what a particular word, phrase or point means?

Nuance: Polite and direct. Name the exact unclear element after “by” so the other person knows what to explain.

Could you clarify what you mean by “lighter”?

Could you clarify what you mean by the final stage?

Expression 6

Are you saying that...?

A question that checks whether a complete interpretation of someone’s message is correct.

Nuance: It is similar to “Do you mean...?”, but can sound more direct. Keep your tone curious rather than accusatory.

Are you saying that the deadline has changed?

Are you saying that we should keep every section?

Expression 7

Could you give me an example?

A request for a concrete case that makes an abstract explanation easier to understand.

Nuance: Useful when a definition or general statement is still unclear. It asks for evidence or illustration, not merely repetition.

Could you give me an example of a simpler design?

I understand the rule, but could you give me an example?

Expression 8

Have I got that right?

A short question asking whether your understanding is correct.

Nuance: Common in British English and natural after a summary. It invites confirmation without repeating the full explanation again.

We keep the sections but simplify the design. Have I got that right?

The fee includes delivery. Have I got that right?

Expression 9

Sorry, I didn’t quite follow that.

A polite way to say that you did not completely understand an explanation.

Nuance: “Quite” softens the admission. It is natural in conversation, but follow it with a focused question when possible.

Sorry, I didn’t quite follow that. Which stage comes first?

Sorry, I didn’t quite follow that. Could you explain the last point again?

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