How do you ask for help in English if you don’t understand or want someone to repeat something? Do you have any standard phrases that you use? I know I do when I’m speaking French.
You might feel embarrassed to ask for help, or maybe you’re worried that your question won’t be understood. Here, the 2nd part of ‘I DON’T UNDERSTAND’, I’m going to look at some more subtle ways of asking for help and clarification.
In the previous post, ‘I DON’T UNDERSTAND! – Part 1’, I looked at basic sentences for a lower levels – (Level A1-A2); that are essential to learn when you start speaking English. As you improve your skills and confidence you’ll stop being like a « deer in front of headlights » and be able to repond in a more relaxed manner.
Don’t be like a « deer in front of headlights. »
The sentences I’ve recorded are all standard phrases that anglophones use to repeat and clarify information, so don’t be embarrassed to use them. Click on the buttons to listen. Try to follow my intonation (rise and fall) and accentuation (rhythm). Repeat the sentences several times. Can you hear the ‘music’ in my voice? Practise these sentences once a week, to ensure you’re ready for your next conversation in English. Which sentences will you try to use?
And, yes, we say ‘SORRY’ a lot in English. It’s part of the culture. Sorry about that. 🙂
These are all standard phrases that anglophones use to repeat and clarify information, so don’t be embarrassed to use them.
When you don't understand - Advanced
Now it's your turn.
Click on the ‘PUSH TO SPEAK’ button to practice the sentences. Can you REMEMBER the sentences and SAY them correctly?
Next time i’m going to look at some sentences we use when we don’t understand a new word or expression.
Do you have any other sentences you use? What would you say in French to ask the same questions?
Please comment below.
