Learning objectives
- Use formal expressions to say you do not understand something
- Use neutral, everyday expressions to say you do not understand something
- Use informal expressions to say you do not understand something
- Politely ask someone to repeat what they said
- Politely ask someone to explain something in simpler terms
- Choose the appropriate level of formality depending on the situation
- Respond appropriately when someone else expresses confusion
Key expressions
Formal expressions
"I'm afraid I don't quite follow. Could you clarify what you mean by...?" "I'm sorry, I don't understand. Could you explain that again, please?" "I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Would you mind elaborating?" "Could you please clarify that point for me?" — appropriate with teachers, in professional settings, with people you don't know well, or in formal spoken tasks.
Neutral / everyday expressions
"I don't get it. Can you explain?" "What do you mean by...?" "Could you go over that again?" "Sorry, I'm not following." "I'm a bit confused about that." — appropriate in everyday conversations with classmates, colleagues, or people you know reasonably well.
Informal expressions
"Huh? I'm lost." "I have no idea what you're talking about." "Wait, what?" "I'm totally lost here." — only with close friends or family, in casual spoken conversation; not appropriate in writing or formal exams.
Asking someone to repeat
"Could you repeat that, please?" "Sorry, could you say that again?" "Sorry, I missed that. Could you say it one more time?" "Pardon?" (a short, polite way to ask someone to repeat, mainly used in speech).
Asking for simpler language
"Could you put that more simply?" "Could you explain it in simpler words?" "Is there an easier way to say that?"
Common mistakes
Using 'Pardon?' or 'What?' alone in a formal written exam answer — these are spoken, informal expressions, not appropriate for formal writing.
Saying 'I don't understand nothing' — this is a double negative and incorrect in standard English; the correct form is 'I don't understand anything.'
Confusing 'I don't understand' (lack of comprehension) with 'I don't know' (lack of information) — they express different things and should not be used interchangeably.
Forgetting to soften formal requests with words like 'could', 'would you mind' or 'I'm afraid' — a bare imperative like 'Explain again!' can sound rude in English.
Using overly informal expressions such as 'Huh? I'm lost' with a teacher or in a professional context, where a neutral or formal phrase is expected.
Worked example — A classroom dialogue
Dialogue
Teacher: "Today we are going to study the difference between formal and non-formal education." Student: "I'm sorry, I don't quite follow. Could you clarify what you mean by non-formal education?" Teacher: "Of course — non-formal education is organized, like a course, but it happens outside a school or university." Student: "I see, thank you. Could you give an example, just to make sure I understand?" Teacher: "Sure — a vocational training course at a community center would be a good example."
Explanation
The student uses formal, polite expressions ("I'm sorry, I don't quite follow", "Could you clarify...", "Could you give an example") because they are speaking to a teacher. Each request is softened with a polite modal structure ("could you"), which is the appropriate register for a classroom setting — different from how a student might speak to a close friend, where a simpler, informal phrase like "Wait, what do you mean?" would be acceptable.
3 practice exercises
Exercise 1
EasyMatch each expression (1-4) to its level of formality (formal / neutral / informal). 1) 'Huh? I'm lost.' 2) 'Could you clarify what you mean by that?' 3) 'I don't get it. Can you explain?' 4) 'I'm afraid I don't quite follow.'
Show answer
1) informal 2) formal 3) neutral 4) formal.
Exercise 2
MediumComplete the short dialogue with an appropriate expression of lack of understanding (neutral register). A: 'The exam will cover both the past perfect and the passive voice, plus a short writing task based on the reading text.' B: '___ Could you go over the writing task part again?'
Show answer
Sample answer: "Sorry, I'm not following. Could you go over the writing task part again?" (any correct neutral-register expression is accepted, e.g. "I don't get it.")
Exercise 3
HardRewrite each sentence in the requested register. 1) (Informal → Formal) 'Wait, what? I don't get any of that.' 2) (Formal → Informal) 'I'm afraid I don't quite follow. Could you explain that again, please?'
Show answer
1) "I'm sorry, I don't quite understand. Could you explain that again, please?" 2) "Huh? Can you say that again?"
3 exercices, c'est un début.
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FAQ
What is a formal way to say you don't understand something in English?
A polite, formal way is: 'I'm afraid I don't quite follow. Could you clarify what you mean by...?' or 'I'm sorry, I don't understand. Could you explain that again, please?' These are appropriate with teachers or in professional settings.
What is the difference between 'I don't understand' and 'I don't know'?
'I don't understand' expresses a lack of comprehension — you have heard or read the information but cannot make sense of it. 'I don't know' expresses a lack of information — you simply don't have the answer. The two should not be used interchangeably.
Is it appropriate to say 'Huh? I'm lost' to a teacher during an exam?
No. This is a very informal expression, appropriate only in casual spoken conversation with close friends. In a formal or academic context, it is better to use a neutral or formal expression, such as 'I'm sorry, I'm not following' or 'Could you clarify that, please?'