10 great ways to say 'I understand'
Showing empathy and understanding are keystones in building relationships, both professionally and socially. Whether you are receiving new information or in a negotiation, the words ‘I understand’ are powerful. There are many ways to give people this reassurance. Here are ten new ways for you to let people know that you are listening, that you understand what they mean and that you see their point of view.
1. To follow
Example: ‘Oh, yes, I follow you now’.
2. To get the point
Example: ‘I do get your point, I think you’re right’.
3. To get the picture
Example: ‘I need to get the full picture so I can explain it properly to the rest of the team’.
4. To catch on
Example: ‘She tends to catch on fairly quickly’.
5. To catch one’s drift
Example: ‘Don’t worry, I catch your drift’.
6. To grasp something
Example: ‘He usually grasps things quite easily’.
7. To get something
Example: ‘Sometimes it takes me a while to get something if it’s very technical’
8. To get the idea
Example: ‘Yes, I get the idea’.
9. To see
Example: ‘Yes, I see exactly what you mean’.
10. To catch/get the gist of something
Example: ‘I didn’t catch everything they said, but I caught the gist of what you said’.
This blog has been written at level C1. Practise your reading skills and learn more about the benefits of improving your professional English by reading the blogs below:
- 10 essential grammar tips for your business English (level C2)
- How to improve your telephone English (level C1)
- Business English for work and careers: 50 words you need to know (level C2)
- 'Fake news' expressions you should know (level C1)
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