While we communicate with others, we exchange information and opinion. Is it possible to rotate a window 90 degrees if it has the same length and width? Formal Sorry, would you mind repeating that? You can end on a positive note by thanking the other person for their time and consideration of their clarification request. How to ask for help via email Use a clear, direct subject line. How to Ask for Clarification Politely - LinkedIn Could/Would you explain it again, please? Clarification How to Another way to ask for clarification is to let the other person know that you didn't understand them. ". This shows you have a desire for more information and it sounds as though you are genuinely invested in the current topic at hand. I have discussed several situations where you may need to ask for clarification in English. Please send your invoice for all work from our most recent contract to youremail@email.com and CC me. Both phrases can be used to ask for more information or to give more information when someone requests it of you. Perhaps you find yourself asking for clarification a few times and it feels awkward when you still dont agree with the person. Its highly likely you'll need to clarify details with a client at some stage. If I don't hear from you by (date/time), I'll give you a call. Let me know if you need any further clarification or assistance. Katie is a passionate digital nomad working on her first book on the art of communication. The modal verb Would is the most formal word with which you can form the politest expressions. If we take a look at the following example: You are a friendly support person. I'll be in touch if I require anything else. So, you must request them to do this favor for you. Speak from your own perspective, using sentences that start with, I rather than you. For instance, instead of saying, youre not explaining this very well, you could say something like, Im struggling to fully understand the idea that youre sharing. When people feel blamed, they become defensive. May I know what you just wanted permission for.? When asking for clarification, its always best to either wait for a formal question and answer period or a pause in the flow of a presentation or conversation. How to interrupt Using this formal speech helps to indicate that you are sincere in your desire to understand what the speaker is saying, which is the basis for asking for clarification. Thank you for your time and for helping me to clarify these questions. Martin holds a Masters degree in Finance and International Business. If you are wanting to ask for clarification politely, blaming the other person is definitely not the way to go. Thank you for providing the detailed information about [Topic X]. There are so many online AI writing assistants that can offer you We are a team of ESL teachers writing about state-of-the-art tips and advice for learners and teachers of English as a second language. Flowrite turns your instructions into ready-to-send emails and messages across your browser. May I request further clarification of instruction number 5? An example is provided below on the professional usage of just so I understand. Before accepting, I would like to clarify some details. So, to understand the request, on many occasions, you may need to ask for clarification. Show that you appreciate them taking the additional time to review the email, and describe how the information will help achieve the goal. Now, well learn useful expressions to ask someone to clarify instructions. Then what happens if three players make a sack together? Many of us have a gap in communication at work or with a business or provider, but writing a request for clarification can sometimes be a scary prospect. Using the phrase just so I understand is a great alternative if you are confused, astounded, amazed, or in disbelief in regards to the information or instructions you have been given. In doing so, you will be perceived as non-accusatory and therefore, not threatening. politely If such individuals are not already familiar with the technical background relative to the specific topic, those in attendance may have difficulty following along with the conversation. Whether you're meeting with a foreign client, seeing a doctor, or taking an online English lesson, there will be times when you don't understand what the other person just said. politely ask for clarification Before you write an email to clarify something, take another look to review the information and see if there is something that you were missing. Sometimes, using just to clarify doesnt convey how you feel when youre asking for more information. We thoroughly test different courses, books, learning materials, etc., and recommend only the bests. You need more information to fully understand what they mean, but the other person is getting irritated with all of your questions? In formulating an answer, you may find they did provide enough details. And yet, we all have times in our personal and professional lives when we dont thoroughly understand what someone else is trying to tell us. Would you mind telling me the whole formula in detail? Ask for repetition. Its my bad. Have you ever found it challenging to interrupt someone to express your opinion, make suggestions, or ask for further information? How to Prepare for Your First Destiny 2 Raid Could/Would you please put it differently so that it becomes easy for me to understand? Oops! Sometimes we zone out, but sometimes we just dont understand. * Could you please be more specific? We've outlined the process to create clarification emails. Put the question in the first or second sentence. ?" Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc. Can you please tell me again what document you requested? Looking for an email writer generator, email helper, or email correction app? Sometimes, you need to use a firm tone to let everyone know whos in charge and whats going on, and the phrase let me make this clear does just that. Why You Should Ask Could You Please However, if you dont understand them, you should ask them to clarify. Asking somebody to explain something implies that you don't know anything about the topic and want the person to teach you. When you ask a clarification question, you help to create a greater level of understanding not just for yourself but also for the speaker and those in attendance. Write a clear subject line, or respond directly to the email you wish to clarify. Thanks for the effort you made to explain it again. Can you elaborate further on what the new training program will include? Closed questions always lead to a yes or no answer, and hence, gather limited information. Hi Jessica, Thanks for your email. Ask Sorry if I was unclear. WebYour clarification email includes everything I need to progress. Thanks, you cared. Be non-accusatory. In most cases, you can save face by solving your own problem without asking a question to clarify. Rule #2: Apologize for interrupting. Can you repeat the ways I have to do it? If your clarification request isn't covered in the list above, or if you'd prefer to create your own, then use this clarification email template. Asking for clarification shows that youre attentive and that you care enough to make sure you thoroughly understand what youve been told. Bullet points are the most effective way of listing out your questions. Here's an example showing how Flowrite can write a formal request for you from a few instructions: Clarification emails are simple to write as long as you stick to the structure and focus on the outcomes. 20 Email Expressions to Ask for Clarification Tannia Surez Then refer to a specific aspect: Could you please explain once again why A is so important for B?. This phrase allows you to use simple words with no room for misinterpretation. Remember that no matter in which context you are, politeness is the key to a good conversation. However, on many occasions, you may also need to use closed questions as well. How to Ask for Clarification Politely - Collaborative Solutions Theres an emergency you need to deal with." Let me see if I understand this is a phrase that says clearly what you mean in words everyone can understand with no potential hidden meanings. Learn useful English phrases for discussion and debate. Clarification Sample Letters How to Write a. Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc. For example, if you seek clarification, then you can ask: Could you please explain how to politely ask for clarification? In fact, guessing and getting it wrong is more likely to cause problems than politely asking for more info. It can be used very formally, or it can be used with a subtle undertone of disdaine and attitude while still providing information. How To Request Clarification Via Email - Email Effective How to Politely Ask for Clarification in English ESL Advice Thank them for the interview To clarify, the key is to keep things simple, provide all details you need, and remember you're dealing with a real person. She should leave her changes as suggestions. Either way, there is a high probability that youve been in a conversation where you need clarification. Write emails & messages faster than ever with our AI writing assistant, Get the best resources for professional communication & productivity. How to Write a Thank You Email for a Salary Increase When it comes to the proper format for asking a clarification question or seeking clarification, the key is to use basic rules of etiquette. ask for clarification Those suggestions sometimes are too important in our professional and personal life. Say that you didnt understand rather than saying that the other person could not clarify it. Other opinions. You may not respond or help them accordingly if you dont understand. Could/Would/Can you be a bit clearer about it? The phrase just making sure is a great alternative to just to clarify, as it is more relaxed. Thanks for sending over your directions for implementing the new website copy. Sometimes, even though were confused, it is simply because we have not been informed of all of the information that is being presented. Before you do this exercise, its a good idea to check out our information on intonation and stress. 1 Answer. If we want to make sure that someone has understood, you can request confirmation that someone has Such individuals would then feel lost or misinformed simply because they missed when information was presented, making clarification necessary. Many people presenting or relaying information are not aware of how others are processing what they are saying, leading them to talk above others and preventing them from digesting what is being presented.