Confirming information is important, especially when anything is unclear
This lesson will look at confirming information. We use this language to check facts, confirm the overall meaning, or just to respond to surprising information.
Confirming information is useful when you didn't clearly hear or fully understand what was said. Confirming is also used when surprising information was given.
Can you think of some reasons you might need to confirm information? When do you usually confirm information in English?
When confirming, we should use phrases like these. Can you think of any more?
- Did you say [full sentence]?
- So you’re saying [full sentence]?
- If I understand you correctly, [full sentence]?
Here is one example, you are person B and your instructor is A:
A: I went to Vancouver a few months ago.
B: Oh? In Canada? Didn't they have the Olympics there in 2010?
A: Yeah, that's right.
B: So, how was it?
A: It was great. Hey did you know that it’s further north than Hokkaido?
B: Oh? So it’s quite far north. Is it cold?
A: No, actually it's not very cold. It’s just a couple degrees colder than Tokyo in winter.
B: Really? You’re saying it’s about the same as Tokyo?
A: That’s right. The mountains near the city get some snow, but not much compared to Hokkaido. I heard something else too. Did you know that city with all the canals and boats, Venice, is actually two degrees further north than Sapporo?
B: Wait a minute, so if I understand you correctly, Venice, in Italy, is further north than Sapporo?
A: That’s right.
First, your instructor will tell you about some plans. If you understand it a little, then confirm with them. If you didn't understand it enough to confirm, then use phrases for when you don't understand.
Next, your instructor will read some interesting facts. Try confirming them by repeating the information or asking a follow-up question.