How to say it · Following the conversation

Checking someone understands

You've just explained something and want to know if it landed. Ask the wrong way and it sounds like you're testing them.

6 ways to say it

Baking in the kitchen, Jo asks Leo a question as a puzzle piece floats towards the gap it fits.

How directRelaxedDirect

Does that make sense?best default Are we on the same page?agree the plan Know what I mean?chatty Any questions so far?pause to check Let me know if anything's unclearemail-friendly Is that clear?firm, a bit strict

Way 1 · best default

Does that make sense?

You check your explanation, not their brain. Friendly and safe with anyone.

How directRelaxed

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

So you press this first, then that. Does that make sense?

Does that make sense, or shall I go through it again?

In a conversation

A: So the bins go out on Tuesday, but recycling is every other week. Does that make sense?
B: Yeah, got it. Thanks.

Common mistake

Not: ~~Do you understand?~~

Say: Does that make sense?

"Do you understand?" can sound like a teacher testing you. This one puts the focus on your explanation.

Practice saying this

Next: Are we on the same page?

Way 2 · agree the plan

Are we on the same page?

You check that everyone understands and agrees on the plan, not just the words.

How directMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

Before we finish, are we on the same page about the deadline?

I just want to check we're on the same page about the budget.

In a conversation

A: So Leila does the slides and I send the invites. Are we on the same page?
B: Yes, and I'll book the room.

Common mistake

Not: Are we in the same page?

Say: Are we on the same page?

It's "on" a page, like words printed on paper.

Practice saying this

Next: Know what I mean?

Way 3 · chatty

Know what I mean?

Said lightly in chat. You're asking for a nod, not a real answer.

How directVery relaxed

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

It was good, but it just didn't feel like a holiday. Know what I mean?

I like him, he's just a lot sometimes. Know what I mean?

Practice saying this

Next: Any questions so far?

Way 4 · pause to check

Any questions so far?

For training, lessons or talks. You stop and give people space to ask.

How directMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

That's the first part done. Any questions so far?

OK, I'll stop there for a second. Any questions so far?

Practice saying this

Next: Let me know if anything's unclear

Way 5 · email-friendly

Let me know if anything's unclear

A soft line for the end of an email or message with instructions.

How directRelaxed

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

I've attached the guide. Let me know if anything's unclear.

Steps are below. Let me know if anything's unclear and I'll call you.

Practice saying this

Next: Is that clear?

Way 6 · firm, a bit strict

Is that clear?

Sounds like a rule from a parent or boss. Use it when you need to be firm, not friendly.

How directVery direct

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Phones stay in the bag until dinner's finished. Is that clear?

Nobody touches the server without asking me first. Is that clear?

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

Does that make sense?Are we on the same page?Know what I mean?Any questions so far?

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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