Explaining yourself B2
Making sure your point actually lands.
Making your meaning clear
get at — suggest or implyA: Are you saying I made a mistake?
B: No, that’s not what I’m getting at.
get across — communicate clearlyA: I don't think my idea got across in the meeting.
B: Maybe you should try explaining it differently next time.
make sense — be logicalA: Why did you change your job?
B: It just made sense for me to try something new.
what I mean is … — make your point clearerWhat I mean is, the deadline isn't realistic. (neutral)
Nah, what I mean is there's no way we'll finish in time. (casual)
Checking understanding
bear with — be patient withBear with me a sec. (casual)
Could you bear with me for a moment, please? (polite)
get through to — make someone understandA: I've told my parents how I feel, but they don't seem to get it.
B: Sometimes it's hard to get through to people, especially family.
When the point isn't landing
Lee: Sorry, I'm not sure what you're getting at.
Priya: Let me try again — I just can't seem to get this across clearly.
Lee: Take your time, no rush.
Priya: Basically, the deadline moved. Does that make sense now?
Checking they followed
Priya: So, bear with me, the plan's changed a bit.
Lee: Okay, I'm following.
Priya: I think it's finally getting through to you — I can see it on your face.
Lee: It is — that's much clearer, thanks.
Putting it another way
Lee: Hang on — so are you saying we scrap the whole plan?
Priya: Not quite. What I mean is, we keep the idea but push the date back.
Lee: Ah, right — so just the timing changes, not the rest.
Priya: Exactly that. Sorry, I should have said it plainly the first time.