I'm not sure I understand.

Meaning: This is a statement expressing uncertainty or lack of comprehension about something.

Choice of Words: I'm is a contraction of the words "I am". Not is a negative adverb used to negate or deny something. Sure means certain or confident about something. Understand means to comprehend or grasp the meaning of something.

Alternative Expressions

I'm not sure I understand.

Meaning: This means the speaker doesn't fully understand what someone has said or done. It's like saying, I need more information to know what you're talking about.

Choice of Words: I'm is a contraction of the words I and am, which means the speaker is the one who is unsure. Not means the opposite, so not sure means the speaker is unsure. Understand means to know or comprehend something. When you put them together, "I'm not sure I understand" means the speaker is unsure if they know or comprehend something.

Can you repeat that?

Meaning: This means the speaker didn't hear or understand what someone said and is asking them to say it again. It's like saying, I didn't catch what you said, could you say it again?

Choice of Words: Can is a modal verb that indicates ability or permission. You is the subject of the sentence, and repeat means to say something again. When you put them together, "Can you repeat that?" means the speaker is asking the listener to say something again.

Could you explain that again?

Meaning: This means the speaker didn't understand something and is asking the listener to explain it again. It's like saying, I didn't get what you meant, could you explain it in a different way?

Choice of Words: Could is a modal verb that indicates possibility or suggestion. You is the subject of the sentence, and explain means to make something clear or understandable. That refers to something that was previously said or done. When you put them together, "Could you explain that again?" means the speaker is asking the listener to make something clear or understandable again.

Related Expressions