Understanding new terms, concepts, or explanations can sometimes be challenging.
If you’re seeking clarity on a topic or trying to grasp a new idea, here are 30 alternative ways to ask “What does that mean?” that can help you get the answers you need while keeping the conversation engaging.
1. “Could you clarify that for me?”
A polite way to ask for more details. Iāve used this to ensure I understand something correctly.
When to use: When you need a clearer explanation.
When not to use: If the context is informal and casual.
Example:
“Could you clarify that for me?”
2. “Can you explain that in simpler terms?”
A way to request a more straightforward explanation. Iāve used this when the explanation was too complex.
When to use: When the information is too complex.
When not to use: If the explanation is already clear.
Example:
“Can you explain that in simpler terms?”
3. “Iām not sure I follow. Can you elaborate?”
A request for more detail when youāre confused. Iāve used this to get a more in-depth explanation.
When to use: When you need further elaboration.
When not to use: If you have a basic understanding already.
Example:
“Iām not sure I follow. Can you elaborate?”
4. “Whatās the meaning behind that?”
A way to ask about the underlying meaning. Iāve used this to understand the deeper context.
When to use: When youāre curious about the deeper meaning.
When not to use: If you only need a surface-level explanation.
Example:
“Whatās the meaning behind that?”
5. “Could you break that down for me?”
A request for a detailed explanation. Iāve used this to get a step-by-step breakdown.
When to use: When you need a detailed explanation.
When not to use: If a brief explanation will suffice.
Example:
“Could you break that down for me?”
6. “What does that term refer to?”
A way to inquire about the specific term used. Iāve used this to understand the reference of a term.
When to use: When you need to understand a specific term.
When not to use: If the term is self-explanatory.
Example:
“What does that term refer to?”
7. “Can you give me an example?”
A request for an illustrative example. Iāve used this to see how the concept applies in practice.
When to use: When you need a practical example.
When not to use: If an explanation alone is sufficient.
Example:
“Can you give me an example?”
8. “How would you define that?”
A way to ask for a definition. Iāve used this when I need a precise definition.
When to use: When you need a clear definition.
When not to use: If the context is already defined.
Example:
“How would you define that?”
9. “Whatās the significance of that?”
A way to ask about the importance or impact. Iāve used this to understand why something matters.
When to use: When you want to know the significance.
When not to use: If you only need a basic explanation.
Example:
“Whatās the significance of that?”
10. “Can you expand on that?”
A request for more information. Iāve used this to get a more comprehensive explanation.
When to use: When you need additional details.
When not to use: If youāre looking for a brief answer.
Example:
“Can you expand on that?”
11. “What are you trying to convey with that?”
A way to understand the intention behind a statement. Iāve used this to clarify the message being delivered.
When to use: When you need to understand the intention.
When not to use: If the message is already clear.
Example:
“What are you trying to convey with that?”
12. “Can you help me understand that better?”
A polite request for further clarification. Iāve used this to seek a clearer understanding.
When to use: When you need better understanding.
When not to use: If you grasp the concept already.
Example:
“Can you help me understand that better?”
13. “What does that imply?”
A way to ask about the implications or consequences. Iāve used this to understand the broader implications.
When to use: When you want to know the implications.
When not to use: If youāre only interested in the basic meaning.
Example:
“What does that imply?”
14. “Can you shed some light on that?”
A request for clarification or explanation. Iāve used this to get a clearer picture.
When to use: When you need more insight.
When not to use: If the explanation is already clear.
Example:
“Can you shed some light on that?”
15. “Whatās the gist of that?”
A way to ask for a summary or the main point. Iāve used this to get to the core of the message.
When to use: When you need a summary.
When not to use: If you need detailed information.
Example:
“Whatās the gist of that?”
16. “Could you explain the context?”
A request for the background information. Iāve used this to understand the context of the statement.
When to use: When you need background information.
When not to use: If the context is already clear.
Example:
“Could you explain the context?”
17. “Whatās the underlying message?”
A way to ask about the deeper message. Iāve used this to get to the core meaning.
When to use: When you need to understand the deeper message.
When not to use: If you only need a surface-level explanation.
Example:
“Whatās the underlying message?”
18. “Can you clarify your point?”
A way to ask for more detail on a specific point. Iāve used this to understand a particular aspect.
When to use: When you need clarification on a specific point.
When not to use: If the point is already clear.
Example:
“Can you clarify your point?”
19. “What does that mean in practice?”
A request to understand practical applications. Iāve used this to see how something works in real life.
When to use: When you want to know practical applications.
When not to use: If youāre interested in theoretical explanations.
Example:
“What does that mean in practice?”
20. “Can you put that in laymanās terms?”
A way to ask for a simplified explanation. Iāve used this to get a more straightforward explanation.
When to use: When you need a simplified version.
When not to use: If youāre comfortable with technical terms.
Example:
“Can you put that in laymanās terms?”
21. “How should I interpret that?”
A way to ask for guidance on understanding. Iāve used this to get help with interpretation.
When to use: When you need guidance on interpretation.
When not to use: If youāre already familiar with the interpretation.
Example:
“How should I interpret that?”
22. “Whatās the essence of that?”
A request to understand the core idea. Iāve used this to get to the heart of the matter.
When to use: When you need the core idea.
When not to use: If you need more detailed information.
Example:
“Whatās the essence of that?”
23. “Can you give me a breakdown of that?”
A way to ask for a detailed explanation. Iāve used this to get a more comprehensive breakdown.
When to use: When you need a detailed breakdown.
When not to use: If you only need a brief explanation.
Example:
“Can you give me a breakdown of that?”
24. “Whatās the purpose of that?”
A way to ask about the reason or intent. Iāve used this to understand the purpose behind something.
When to use: When you need to know the purpose.
When not to use: If youāre only interested in the meaning.
Example:
“Whatās the purpose of that?”
25. “Can you provide more detail on that?”
A request for additional information. Iāve used this to get more details about a topic.
When to use: When you need additional details.
When not to use: If the details are already sufficient.
Example:
“Can you provide more detail on that?”
26. “Whatās the background behind that?”
A way to ask for context or history. Iāve used this to understand the background information.
When to use: When you need context or history.
When not to use: If the context is already clear.
Example:
“Whatās the background behind that?”
27. “Can you elaborate on that idea?”
A request to expand on a concept. Iāve used this to get more information about an idea.
When to use: When you need more information about an idea.
When not to use: If youāre already familiar with the concept.
Example:
“Can you elaborate on that idea?”
28. “Whatās the implication of that?”
A way to ask about the consequences or effects. Iāve used this to understand the implications of a statement.
When to use: When you want to know the implications.
When not to use: If youāre only interested in the basic meaning.
Example:
“Whatās the implication of that?”
29. “Can you give me a clearer picture?”
A request for a more vivid explanation. Iāve used this to get a better understanding.
When to use: When you need a clearer picture.
When not to use: If you have a good understanding already.
Example:
“Can you give me a clearer picture?”
30. “Whatās the takeaway from that?”
A way to ask for the main point or lesson. Iāve used this to get the key takeaway.
When to use: When you need the main point or lesson.
When not to use: If you need a detailed explanation.
Example:
“Whatās the takeaway from that?”
Top Editorās Choice Responses
- “Could you clarify that for me?”
- “Can you explain that in simpler terms?”
- “Iām not sure I follow. Can you elaborate?”
- “Whatās the meaning behind that?”
- “Could you break that down for me?”
- “What does that term refer to?”
- “Can you give me an example?”
- “How would you define that?”
- “Whatās the significance of that?”
- “Can you expand on that?”
