I'm not following — say you're lost
expressionB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A polite way to admit you can't keep up with or understand an explanation, so the speaker slows down or explains again.
Pattern: Sorry, I'm not following (this/you).
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ Sorry, I'm not follow.
✓ Sorry, I'm not following.
Use the continuous 'I'm not following', not 'I'm not follow'.
Don't confuse it
'I'm not following' = lost right now mid-explanation; 'I don't get it' is blunter and more final.