SpeakUp

Grammar fix

I'm not following

say you're lost

A polite way to admit you can't keep up with or understand an explanation, so the speaker slows down or explains again.

expressionB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Sorry, I'm not following — could you go over that last step again?in a study group
  • A: So you take the derivative, then substitute back.
    B: Hang on, I'm not following — which bit do I substitute?
    explaining a maths problem

Fix the pattern

Pattern: Sorry, I'm not following (this/you).

WrongSorry, I'm not follow.

RightSorry, I'm not following.

Use the continuous 'I'm not following', not 'I'm not follow'.

PatternSorry, I'm not following (this/you).

Don't confuse it

'I'm not following' = lost right now mid-explanation; 'I don't get it' is blunter and more final.

Try it in Daily Speak →