English - Checking Understanding

Do you understand?

Ask directly whether the listener understands.

Meaning: Ask directly whether the listener understands.

When to use: Use when you want a clear, direct yes/no on understanding.

Tip: Can sound very direct in sensitive situations; try softer options if needed.

Is that clear?

Check whether an explanation is clear.

Meaning: Check whether an explanation is clear.

When to use: Use after explaining steps or rules to confirm clarity.

Are you with me?

Check whether the listener is following the speaker.

Meaning: Check whether the listener is following the speaker.

When to use: Use while explaining to check attention and following.

Do you know what I mean?

Check whether the listener understands the speaker's intended meaning.

Meaning: Check whether the listener understands the speaker's intended meaning.

When to use: Use to confirm shared meaning, often after an example or opinion.

Any questions?

Invite the listener to ask if something is unclear.

Meaning: Invite the listener to ask if something is unclear.

When to use: Use at the end of an explanation or meeting to invite questions.

Tip: Sometimes used too quickly—pause first so people can think before answering.

Did you get that?

Ask whether the listener understood a specific piece of information.

Meaning: Ask whether the listener understood a specific piece of information.

When to use: Use after giving a specific detail or instruction to confirm it was heard.

Can you follow me?

Check whether the listener can follow the explanation or instructions.

Meaning: Check whether the listener can follow the explanation or instructions.

When to use: Use during a longer explanation to check comprehension and pace.

Is this part clear?

Check whether a specific part of an explanation is clear.

Meaning: Check whether a specific part of an explanation is clear.

When to use: Use when you want to check one section or detail, not the whole explanation.

Do you want me to repeat that?

Offer to repeat information if the listener did not understand.

Meaning: Offer to repeat information if the listener did not understand.

When to use: Use after you notice confusion or a failed understanding.

Am I explaining it clearly?

Check whether your explanation is easy to understand.

Meaning: Check whether your explanation is easy to understand.

When to use: Use when you want feedback on your own clarity as a speaker.

Is everything okay so far?

Pause during an explanation to check if the listener is comfortable continuing.

Meaning: Pause during an explanation to check if the listener is comfortable continuing.

When to use: Use mid-explanation to invite a quick check from listeners.

Should I explain it again?

Offer to clarify by giving the explanation again.

Meaning: Offer to clarify by giving the explanation again.

When to use: Use when someone looks confused or asks for more clarity.

Can I explain it another way?

Offer a different explanation when the listener may not understand.

Meaning: Offer a different explanation when the listener may not understand.

When to use: Use when repeating the same explanation may not help—offer a new angle.