What do you mean?
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where you didn't quite understand what the other person was trying to say? Or maybe someone misunderstood what you were trying to communicate? In situations like these, it's important to be able to ask and answer the question, "What do you mean?" Here are two ways to express this question in English:
1. What do you mean?
This is the most straightforward way to ask someone to clarify their statement. It's a simple and direct question that can be used in both formal and informal settings. For example, if someone says something that confuses you, you can ask, "What do you mean by that?" This shows that you're interested in understanding their perspective and that you're not making any assumptions.
2. Could you elaborate?
Another way to ask someone to explain their statement is to use the phrase, "Could you elaborate?" This is a more polite way of asking for clarification, and it's often used in professional or academic settings. For example, if you're in a meeting and someone uses a term or concept that you're not familiar with, you can say, "Could you elaborate on that point?" This shows that you're engaged in the conversation and that you're open to learning more.
Why it's important to clarify
Now that we've looked at two ways to ask for clarification, let's explore why it's important to do so. Here are a few reasons:
3. Avoid misunderstandings
When we don't understand what someone is trying to say, it's easy to make assumptions or jump to conclusions. This can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications that can damage relationships or cause unnecessary conflict. By asking for clarification, we can avoid these misunderstandings and ensure that we're on the same page.
4. Build rapport
When we ask someone to explain their perspective, we show that we're interested in their point of view. This can help build rapport and strengthen relationships. It also shows that we're open to learning and growing, which can be a valuable trait in personal and professional settings.
5. Improve communication
By clarifying what someone means, we can improve the overall quality of communication. When we understand each other better, we can work together more effectively and achieve our goals more efficiently. This is especially important in team settings, where effective communication is key to success.
Conclusion
Asking the question, "What do you mean?" is a simple but powerful way to clarify statements and improve communication. Whether you use the direct approach or a more polite one, it's important to ask for clarification when you don't understand something. By doing so, you can avoid misunderstandings, build rapport, and improve communication overall.