Gaining clarity in conversations can be crucial for effective communication. It’s common to find yourself in situations where you need to ask someone to clarify what they are saying. In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to express “What are you talking about?” in different contexts. By the end, you’ll have a range of useful phrases and examples to help you navigate conversations with confidence.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
When you find yourself in a formal setting, such as a business meeting, it’s essential to use appropriate language to convey your request for clarification. Here are some examples:
“Could you please clarify your statement?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not entirely sure what you mean. Could you elaborate?”
“I apologize for any confusion, but I’m struggling to understand your point. Can you provide more details?”
Using these formal expressions demonstrates your respect for the speaker while seeking further explanation. Remember to maintain a polite and professional tone.
2. Informal Expressions:
In more casual situations, such as conversations with friends or family, you can use less formal language to express your confusion. Here are some informal expressions:
“Wait, what are you talking about?”
“I’m a bit lost here. Can you explain that again in simpler terms?”
“Hold on a second, I’m not following. Could you break it down for me?”
These informal expressions are suitable for friendly conversations where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. Adjusting your language accordingly can help maintain a comfortable atmosphere during discussions.
3. Additional Context-specific Phrases:
Depending on the context and the level of confusion, you can employ specific phrases to seek clarification. Here are some examples:
a. In Educational Settings:
“I didn’t quite catch that. Could you please rephrase?”
“I’m having trouble understanding the topic. Can you provide more examples?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not following your explanation. Could you simplify it?”
These phrases are especially useful when engaging in classroom discussions or while seeking clarity from teachers and professors.
b. During Debates or Discussions:
“I’m not sure I agree with your point. Could you clarify your argument?”
“I find your statement confusing. Can you provide evidence to support it?”
“I’m having difficulty understanding your perspective. Can you explain it further?”
When engaged in debates or discussions, using these phrases respectfully prompts others to elaborate on their viewpoints, allowing for a more productive conversation.
4. Examples:
Let’s take a look at a few examples that illustrate the use of these phrases in different scenarios:
Example 1:
Person A: “I think we should implement a new marketing strategy to increase sales.”
Person B: “I’m sorry, but I’m not entirely sure what you mean. Could you elaborate?”
Example 2:
Friend A: “That movie was so confusing, I couldn’t follow the plot at all!”
Friend B: “Hold on a second, I’m not following. Could you break it down for me?”
Example 3:
Colleague A: “We need to target a younger demographic with our new product.”
Colleague B: “I didn’t quite catch that. Could you please rephrase?”
Using these phrases in real-life conversations can help overcome misunderstandings and enhance communication.
Remember, the key is to adapt your language to the appropriate context, whether formal or informal, to ensure effective communication. Pay attention to the tone and ensure that your phrasing genuinely reflects your curiosity and intention to understand.
Now armed with a range of phrases and examples, you are well-prepared to seek clarification confidently and positively contribute to any conversation.
