how to ask for clarification politely

Heres how. Doctor: Oh, sure. Thanks for the effort you made to explain it again. As a freelance consultant, she also supports companies and executives in overcoming communication challenges. If you are in a situation where you are being given a lot of information that you may not fully understand, using this phrase is a great way to get the information you need without looking like youre completely lost. You want me to explain the whole thing all over again? This dynamic can create a frustrating feedback loop for both parties. In such a business situation I would offer my business card and politely ask: "Do you have a card I could have?" WebTo ask for clarification politely, it is essential to use open-ended clarification questions stated in a neutral and inquisitive tone of voice. I am available for a phone call or meeting if that would be helpful. If you want the person you are talking with to give you a longer explanation or additional detail, its perfectly okay to interrupt them to ask for I didnt quite catch it. How to politely ask for clarification on a person's designation? Be polite, and use languages that focus the situation on you and not the other person. Martin holds a Masters degree in Finance and International Business. Both phrases can be used to ask for more information or to give more information when someone requests it of you. If we take a look at the following example: You are a friendly support person. WebRule #1: Start by asking for permission to chime in. Be polite while asking. WebDepends on the clarification. Using phrases such as Im sorry or May I ask you to say the things again that you requested earlier? Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to respectfully inform the other party that their understanding of the situation is incorrect, or to seek clarification for oneself. May I ask you to clarify the matter for me/all of us? Closed Question: So, you felt Bobs approach was too disruptive? It lets everyone know you mean business and that they better listen to what youre about to tell them because you probably wont repeat yourself. For instance you may use: Both are polite colloquial usage. Patient: Thanks, doctor. In the next section of the email, you want to clearly outline your goals, any important deadlines, and next steps. Congratulations on getting a job offer! In order to process information, you need to be able to pay attention. Can you clarify some details for me, please? In such situations, it is highly probable that someone will wish to ask for clarification. Also, you could talk to the person to clarify before sending a formal email, because sometimes its difficult to convey the true meaning through an email. [1] 2 Be polite but direct in asking about the starting salary. All Rights Reserved. How to ask for something in an email with 9 examples, Request for meeting email with samples and templates. Some people struggle to write subject lines, but the easiest thing to do is be upfront about what you want. If you need extra information from a candidate, this clarification email after an interview provides the ideal structure. Contacting researchers for clarification is good practice. Ask Question Asked 6 years, 9 months ago Modified 6 years, 9 months ago Viewed 3k times 1 This is a Let the person know if you dont quite grasp the issue or if you only understand part of it. Sometimes we need clarification when we want to get a better handle on where others are coming from. Thank you for providing the information about [Topic X]. Also known as clarification letters, clarification emails are used to get the information required to move forward. Thank you for explaining the question to me. When you need to be a little more authoritative in your professional emails, whether thats to set boundaries or correct instructions that were wrong, just to be clear is perfect for those situations where you want to be straightforward and concise. Flowrite turns your instructions into ready-to-send emails and messages across your browser. Here are some tips on asking for favors: Be direct but polite. Both of them are fine in any conversation of an official nature, but are not exclusively limited to just the two. how to politely and natively reply an email and ask question, Looking for a word attributing the state of revealing the past. Can you assist me with this question by tomorrow afternoon? Informal Sorry, I didnt catch that. So, if you are confused about understanding what the other person said in a conversation, you should ask for clarification. When you are tasked with providing necessary information to someone, but would like to keep things brief and formal, you can use this phrase to cut to the chase. A good way is to summarize what you have understood and didnt. Are you aware of how your tone of voice conveys different messages? If you have received a cost-of-living salary increase, keep your email short and polite. I couldnt follow what you said about it. Could you rephrase your question, please? I want to request you to repeat it, may I? Kind regards, (Your name) 3. One example is when you are presented with new content that you havent had a chance to review prior to a presentation or conversation. Now, well learn some useful expressions to ask someone to clarify instructions. Looking for clarification? How to follow the signal when reading the schematic? Sometimes there can be misunderstandings about dates and times for meetings and appointments. 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. Sample Letters for Request Bank To Clarify Service Charge. See if the information makes sense to someone else. WebKnowing how to ask for clarification politely is simple with a question like could you please clarify? It shows that youd like someone to add further information to something by clarifying what they mean. If that's the case, this job offer clarification email sample is for you. Write a clear subject line, or respond directly to the email you wish to clarify. Supercharge your communication with Flowrite. You can set things straight with this email clarifying the dates if that happens. (A) works with middle managers who want to communicate authentically so they can effectively lead their teams without losing themselves. Please repeat it for me to understand it clearly. There are different ways you can ask for clarification in English. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to respectfully inform the other party that their understanding of the situation is incorrect, or to seek clarification for ", Another way to say "I don't understand" is to say "I don't follow" or "I'm not following. Both are fine options, but if we're being pedantic, they mean slightly different things. Reframing your request into "for the greater good" makes it much more digestible to follow up with. WebHow do you politely ask for something? WebTo write a thank you email for a salary increase, express your gratitude calmly, then ask for clarification on the terms of the increase if you have not already received them. Could you please explain the whole process of doing this? Thanks for sending over your directions for implementing the new website copy. Theres an emergency you need to deal with." Something went wrong while submitting the form. Say what the problem is first. (A) works with middle managers who want to communicate authentically so they can effectively lead their teams without losing themselves. Interrupting to ask for clarification. You should ask for an apology first, as you already have missed what the person said earlier. The phrase can you elaborate is a great alternative for when you want to ask for clarification. Admit if you are unsure about what the speaker means. Which form is more polite and more acceptable for correspondence: For example I am do not understand something and want to get more information about it. Thanks.. Using indicator constraint with two variables. For ESL learners, interrupting someone while someone is talking can Linguix vs. Grammarly: Which AI Writing Assistant Is Value for Money in 2023? Either way, there is a high probability that youve been in a conversation where you need clarification. It also allows for a wide range of expression as the tone it is said in can add more meaning to the phrase. Would you say that again, please? & I am afraid I didnt quite catch that. 2021 Collaborative Solutions | Lead your teams effectively without losing yourself. When someone expresses their opinion, you may not clearly understand what they mean or what their position about the matter is. Im not sure, but did you suggest updating the software? By speaking solely in terms of your own perspective, your listener will be more open to further discussion. A great example of when you could use this phrase is if you have been given a set of instructions from one person, but had been told something a little different from someone else. Can you elaborate further on what the new training program will include? So, do you really think this will be a profitable deal? Conversations, email dialogues, and even text messages progress best when everyone has the same understanding. Am I right in thinking that what youre meaning by that is, If Im understanding correctly, you think that the most important factor in this situation is Is that correct?, I think I need more information because Im not fully understanding the part that you were saying about, So I think I understand that you believe X would be the best solution? Use a call to action to clarify the next steps. How to ask for help via email Use a clear, direct subject line. May I ask you to explain your observation about the new design further? Informally You can simply say Sorry? or Come again? with a curious tone to ask someone for clarification. You must not behave and speak in a formal setting as you do in an informal one. WebIn American English, the word actually is often used to clarify a misunderstanding. Sorted by: 2. Just to be clear, my working hours are 8am-4pm and you will be unable to contact me outside those hours for work-related purposes. Have you wanted me to send the emails first, then attend the meeting? ?" How to interrupt Both the past and present tense are acceptable. State what the speaker has said as you understand it, and check whether this is what they really said. The phrase just making sure is a great alternative to just to clarify, as it is more relaxed. For the record can be a great phrase to use if youre looking to substitute the phrase just to clarify. 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. Here are some examples: What would you like to see as the final deliverable? Please let me know if I misunderstood. 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. I wish you good health. But would you please tell me what would be the best time to take it? I appreciate your time and your help in clarifying this question. You should only ask for clarification if you really feel it requires clarification. Finally, there are some individuals who have trouble paying attention, to begin with, whether because of ADD or ADHD. Below is a reference example showing how let me make this clear can be used professionally. When you are in a situation where you need to provide clarification on something, but you also need to be stern, using the phrase let me make this clear is perfect for getting your point across while correcting any misinformation someone may have had. 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. Sorry to interrupt, but would you be more specific about what you seek permission for? Would you please repeat what you wanted permission for? This FREE e-course will help you let go of your need to keep other people happy and step into your personal power. Do not give orders or blackmail your colleagues. How would you explain it to me?" Greet your reader. Can/Would/Could you be a bit/little more specific, please? I am sorry, but I couldnt follow what you said. Manage meeting requests like a pro with our in-depth guide to writing the best meeting request emails. writing effective letters Public World. May I? Can I? and Could I? are three of the most common expressions in English used to ask for permission. Dont make it sound bad. Monitoring your tone of voice is a key element of learning to ask for clarification politely. Need help nailing down some details about a person, product, project, or appointment? Open Question: How will you be an asset to the company if we hire you? Here are some expressions to ask for clarification when someone asks for your permission. You can do this by saying "I don't understand" or "I'm not sure I understand. Did you ask me to close the main door or this door? Not sure if this was meant for me. Usually the information you seek is written on the card. Hi Jessica, Thanks for your email. Do roots of these polynomials approach the negative of the Euler-Mascheroni constant? Likewise, you need to be able to process that information through your working memory and convert it into relatable information relative to your short-term and long-term memory. Would you prefer if we go with approach A or B in this situation? Next, state your current understanding of the situation. he asked, feigning a concerned expression. Question and answer site. You can do this by saying "I don't understand" or "I'm not sure I Here, Ill share some ways to ask for clarification on someones suggestions in English. If someone orders you or gives instructionsto do something, its essential to fully understand what they say. However, Could is less polite, and Can is the least polite word among these three. I beg your pardon. A slightly more polite version of this phrase is "I'm not sure what you mean by . Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. Have you ever found it challenging to interrupt someone to express your opinion, make suggestions, or ask for further information? Thank you for your time and for helping me to clarify these questions. It will keep everything flowing smoothly with the new website launch. Otherwise, you'll have established a better understanding for what you need to know, and you can put that to the researchers. Write emails and messages faster across Google Chrome. Recently, an American client told me that shes really impressed with my English. Have you requested to send me the MS Word file or the PDF? WebSo, if you need some clarification for what you just heard, you can use phrases like Sorry, what did you mean by that? Would you mind telling me the whole formula in detail? Asking clarifying questions shows that youre actively listening and want to understand. Reframing your request into "for the greater good" makes it much more digestible to follow up with. Most often, when it comes to being perceived as polite when seeking clarification, the concern is heightened by those asking for clarification. Janet opened the door and smiled slightly. Now, its time to close the email out on a positive note. Use open-ended questions to guide the discussion. (We told you it was easy, now see our examples!). Is that right? In fact, guessing and getting it wrong is more likely to cause problems than politely asking for more info. It felt awesome. If you liked this post, you might also like: 7 Signs That Your Team Has a Communication Problem, The 4 Foundational Skills for Effective Communication. Ah, I see. Now well learn some very useful expressions that you can use to politely ask for clarification in English. Closed Question: Did you always feel that it was a challenge working with him? Review the information to see if you missed something. I was pleased to receive your job offer earlier today. Exemplary scenarios include presenting technical manufacturing information for a specific machine, device, or appliance (Ex. When someone asks you to re-explain a complicated task, your first inclination is probably to say, Wait, what? For instance, we can say Im not sure that I agree with that in an aggressive tone, or in an inquisitive tone, and this will impact how the message is received by our listener. Asking clarifying questions shows that you're actively listening and want to understand. If we want to make sure that someone has understood, you can request confirmation that someone has Rule #4: Raise your (virtual) hand. rev2023.3.3.43278. Its an easy phrase used to help break the barrier of communication and make sure everyone has the same information. The best way to ensure that you come across as polite is if you use Please and Thank You when speaking. Here are a few examples of the types of sentences that you could use to ask for clarification politely at work: These types of clarification questions will help ensure that everyone has the same understanding of the situation. Thanks for clearly letting me know your opinion; I value whatever you suggest. You see! ". Here's a helpful thank you template for email clarification. This allows the presenter to complete his or her thought so that you are completely informed. What To Do Before You Write an Email For Clarification. Would you mind saying what type of permission, written or verbal, you need? If I don't hear from you by (date/time), I'll give you a call. If you'd like to send in a quote for the article, please share your answer to the following question and explain your reasoning behind it. Below is an example of how to use do I understand professionally. "Mr.Lyman, could you come out here please? In formulating an answer, you may find they did provide enough details. When it comes to the proper format for asking a clarification question or seeking clarification, the key is to use basic rules of etiquette. Thanks for Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc. If we want to double-check, we can ask for clarification. Watch the video: Only 1 percent of our visitors get these 3 grammar questions right 10 Better Ways To Say Thank You For Clarifying In Emails, 11 Better Ways To Say No Worries In Professional Emails, 9 More Polite Ways To Say I Dont Care (Professional), 9 Better Ways to Say Just to Confirm in an Email, 9 Other Ways to Say Im Good At on a Resume, 10 Polite Ways to Say No Visitors after Surgery, 11 Best Ways to Say Im Here for You to a Loved One, 10 Professional Ways to Say I Am Not Feeling Well. link to Linguix vs. Grammarly: Which AI Writing Assistant Is Value for Money in 2023? Are there tables of wastage rates for different fruit and veg? You got this! Indicate that this is a request to set up a meeting in the subject line by including words like discussion', 'meeting' or schedule'. Very often, someone might ask a question during a presentation and the presenter will respond If you wait a bit, I will explain the answer to that question.. that you think you already know what the answer is, so that a question can be asked rather than reformatting an impolite question, if you use Please and Thank You when speaking, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-speaking-memory/, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html, https://hbr.org/2015/03/relearning-the-art-of-asking-questions, How to Professionally Say You Didnt Answer My Question. The meaning of both phrases is the same and used interchangeably. How legitimate is the phrase "from which one to choose"? Here is a great example of how to use just to be clear professionally in an email. Depending on the nature of your clarification request email, you may want to attach some information, including links, or add attachments. Here is an example of how to use can you elaborate professionally. Additionally, when asking for clarification, it is not considered polite if you frame your clarification question in a critical tone. What happens if three defenders sack together? This phrase indicates that you are clearly trying to be polite, as please and thank you are reserved for polite, formal speech. When a situation comes up and no one can seem to agree on what has happened, using for the record is a great way to state your information quickly and concisely or ask for someone elses information directly. In our personal & professional life, while talking to someone, we all have situations when we dont clearly understand what the other person is saying. So, how do you politely ask for clarification on someones request in English? Why dont people respond? Rule #2: Apologize for interrupting. Ask a question. What do I do? Not doing so and beginning to speak while the presenter is still speaking is seen as very rude in just about any formal setting. "If I understand you correctly " is a slightly more formal way to check your understanding. Join a clan or community group specifically for raid novices, or ask your team members for clarification. After the person clarifies themselves, you can let them know that you now understand and are thankful. Write emails for work the way you would a standard letter. Now, lets learn some expressions that native speakers of English commonly use to ask for clarification. Today, we'll introduce 10 polite English expressions for requesting clarification. The most common cause for a phone not starting is that the battery is dead. May I ask you to share your suggestions again? When It Is Considered Rude to Ask for Clarification, Theres Never a Time to Not Politely Seek Clarification. ." Heres what it might look like. Why are trials on "Law & Order" in the New York Supreme Court? Thank you for providing the detailed information about [Topic X]. Before you do, ask yourself why you think the authors did not provide enough details. ". 2. Email format guide 6 examples & templates. You'll learn how to structure email clarifications, what to include, and see how it works with 9 examples and a template. Lindsays approach has been profoundly influenced by her work with First Nations organizations, her experience as a parent to two children with pervasive mental health challenges, and the premature loss of both of her parents. Asking somebody to explain something implies that you don't know anything about the topic and want the person to teach you. Still, you may feel like youre being rude if you ask for clarification on the schedule, format, and personal perceptions of those in attendance. For your information is a phrase you can use when you want it to be clear to all that you are going to provide information. How can I ask, "Why did you send me this link?" Learn more about us here. We've outlined the process to create clarification emails. Use one of our 9 samples to ask for clarification in an email. Follow the format, keep things clear, and always include your contact details! A Guide to Using Plain Language in Writing. Depending on the audience and the topic, you can also ask for clarification by simply asking a question, such as: Why is the hypotenuse important for a triangle?. Taking into account that GPT-3 models have no parameter that enables memorization of past conversations, it seems the only way at the moment to "memorize" past conversations is to include past conversations in the prompt. Otherwise, you may not do it properly what you are instructed for. Would you mind sharing the suggestion again? 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. GET IN TOUCH 514.551.0493 | [emailprotected]. Do you mind if I ask you to mention his name again? Regardless of the situation: informal, semi-formal, or formal, you are expected to be polite in your choice of words, voice tone, and body language whenever you ask for permission. Ultimately, using this approach to obtain clarification will not only help to mediate opinions and get individuals on the same page faster it will also help prevent resentment and rifts in business relationships. English Speaking Practice || How to Ask for Clarification in English || Beginner- Advanced levels. It allows you to ask if youve got the right information, but it also allows you to check-in with other people to make sure they understand the information youve given them. When someone says anything, they usually give you information about something or someone. Type a command in the box below. In other words, who, what, where, when, why, and how. Webcrazyyy how u come into my mentions accusing me of shit continue to rant abt me on ur page and when i politely ask for clarification u block me didnt even need to interact w me if i piss u off that much. Please send your invoice for all work from our most recent contract to youremail@email.com and CC me. I dont quite catch what you said. Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc. and then say something like: Im sorry, I didnt understand what you just said.. Would you like me to switch off all the lights? Make your email easy to read. It's a good idea to spell out precisely what information you need. Katie Holmes is a senior author at everyday-courtesy.com with over 15 years of experience in marketing and psychology. You then clear up what you need to clarify in the email body. 03 Mar 2023 13:44:40 May I request further clarification of instruction number 5? I have discussed several situations where you may need to ask for clarification in English. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise. 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. If you can help me with these questions by the end of the day, I can get started on the project immediately. Open Question: When did you first notice that it was a challenge working with him? Well! Whether you want to clarify something for someone or you want clarification yourself, just to be clear is a great phrase to use when giving or receiving information. Styling contours by colour and by line thickness in QGIS. Could we connect on this issue before the meeting at 2PM tomorrow? Our goal is to create English lessons that are easy to understand for everyone. [1]: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-speaking-memory/, [2]: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html, [3]: https://hbr.org/2015/03/relearning-the-art-of-asking-questions. WebHow to Ask for Clarification Politely 1. In this example, you're a job seeker; this is how you reply to a recruiter asking for clarification. If your doctor gives you any instructions, you must follow them. Always consider the setting: formal and informal. Read more about Martin here. Both phrases can be used interchangeably, as they have the same meaning. ? Youre a busy person, so here is a template you can use right away. It can be helpful to ask questions about the 5 Ws and H in this section. How to interrupt politely in a meeting. Ask for help: If youre struggling to understand a mechanic, dont hesitate to ask for help. How do you explain something in an email? Before you do this exercise, its a good idea to check out our information on intonation and stress. The preferred synonym to just to clarify is just to make sure were on the same page. ESL Advice receives compensation from companies or individuals for recommending their products. * Could you please be more specific? Ultimately, who should be responsible for completing. Try These Expressions in a Real Conversation. No one likes to say those words for fear of sounding slow on the uptake. Say that you didnt understand rather than saying that the other person could not clarify it. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. 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. Should You Be Home When Contractors Are Working. Messaging your boss or manager is slightly different from the formal format we use above. Let me make myself clear, everyone must follow all of the new health and safety guidelines in accordance with the CDC.