Page 61 - EAA 2nd ed-WithCoverVerso

Language Focus: Expressions of hesitation, confirmation, redirecting subject,
exchanging the subject and avoiding certain topic

Asking for confirmation:
What exactly do you mean by … (when you say)
Could you give me a bit more detail on that?
Could you explain what you mean by …. (when you say)
Could you be more specific?
So, you mean…
In other words, you’re saying …

Expressing Hesitation/uncertainty:

I can’t follow you. I don’t get it
I (we) doubt …
To tell you the truth (to be honest) I have some doubts about it.
I’m not very confident (sure) about …
I’m very (extremely) concerned about it

Change the subject:
Speaking of …
To get back to what I was saying, …
By the way
That reminds me of
That brings to mind

Redirect the subject:
I understand what you are saying, but let’s refocus for a minute.
There are plenty of different perspectives here, but remember what we’re talking about.
I’m not sure I understand enough about that position.
Can we talk about (the original topic) instead?

Avoid certain topics:
No comment
I’m not at liberty to say
Wait and see
Let me get back to you
I’m sorry, that’s confidential
Sorry, that’s personal
I’d rather not talk about it

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English for Executive Administrative Assistant