Check the medium
Ask whether the message is a phone call, face-to-face conversation, or text.
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How to Read Between the Lines in English
Learn how context, relationships, medium, and culture change what people really mean.
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Listen with a purpose
Notice the useful language in “How to Read Between the Lines in English”.
Check the relationship
Notice how colleagues, partners, friends, and strangers may imply different things.
Check the culture
Allow for direct and indirect communication styles before jumping to a conclusion.
Cultural note
The context makes the phrase land.
Indirect language is not automatically vague or dishonest. In many English-speaking contexts, speakers use hints to be polite, collaborative, or sensitive to another person’s situation.
Try it
Practice the situation.
Write one sentence that could mean two different things, then explain how the context changes it. Say your response aloud before checking the examples below.
“It’s a bit chilly in here” could be an observation, a request, or simple conversation.
Expression cards · 10 from the transcript
These cards were extracted from the transcript and grouped by the kind of language learners can practice.
Showing 10 of 10 cards.
read between the lines
Understand a meaning that is implied rather than directly stated.
Example sentence
“They expect you to read between the lines.”
what people really mean
The intended message behind the exact words.
Example sentence
“We are going to talk about what people really mean.”
the means of communication
The channel used to send a message.
Example sentence
“What’s the means of communication?”
face to face
In person, with both people together.
Example sentence
“Are you speaking in person, face to face?”
make conversation
Talk about something casually rather than make a specific request.
Example sentence
“They’re just making conversation.”
do something about that
Take action to improve a situation.
Example sentence
“I think she wants me to do something about that.”
direct communication
Saying exactly what you mean.
Example sentence
“In some cultures, direct communication is preferred.”
struggle with
Have difficulty carrying out or managing something.
Example sentence
“Someone who is struggling with a heavy bag.”
The main idea
The most important point in a lesson or conversation.
Example sentence
“The main idea of this lesson is how people communicate in social & small talk situations.”
In other words
A phrase used to explain the same idea more simply.
Example sentence
“In other words, the speaker is showing a natural way to handle this situation.”
Check your understanding
What does “read between the lines” communicate?
RTB commentary
The same sentence can carry different meanings depending on the medium, the relationship, and cultural expectations. Listen for the clues before you interpret the words.