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. If someone is kind enough to provide the answers you need when you need them, it's polite to say thank you. By utilizing the appropriate language and tone, these delicate situations can be navigated smoothly and professionally. Don't worry: Asking for clarification is easy. Thanks for the effort you made to explain it again. I couldnt follow what you said about it. In such situations, the concern is simply that one needs to be polite when asking a clarification question so that a question can be asked rather than reformatting an impolite question. politely ask for clarification Introduction. WebRule #1: Start by asking for permission to chime in. Your help will go a long way in helping to resolve [issue]. Make sure that you actually need clarification. If it's critical you get a response, you can offer to follow up. I dont quite catch what you said. Asking somebody to explain something implies that you don't know anything about the topic and want the person to teach you. How to Ask for Clarification Politely 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. Did you mean? 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. This allows the presenter to complete his or her thought so that you are completely informed. Youre a busy person, so here is a template you can use right away. Ask The customer will ask you questions, and you will provide polite responses Q: My phone won't start. Here are some useful expressions to ask someone to clarify their position or opinion. So, how do you do it? How to agree/disagree. How to Ask for Clarification Politely - YouTube When someone asks you to re-explain a complicated task, your first inclination is probably to say, Wait, what? Could you explain a bit about your concerns regarding the other solution?, I dont think I fully understand what you were saying about Could you tell me a bit more?, I think it might help me if I could understand a few more details about that part of the project., Could you give me a concrete example to help me understand how that might affect our current situation?, understand the other persons point of view. Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc. The preferred synonym to just to clarify is just to make sure were on the same page. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise. Would you please repeat what you said about our new project? It's a good idea to spell out precisely what information you need. Clarification It felt awesome. Will you please repeat the standard operating procedure of this machine? Would you mind sharing the suggestion again? don't understand in English It sometimes happens that interviewers may need extra information after your meeting. How To Write An Email To A Manager (With Examples - Indeed What To Include In An Email For Clarification Thank The Sender For The Information State Your Current Understanding Acknowledge that you need clarification. When it comes to the proper time to ask a question, many presenters or lecturers will ask questions periodically during their presentations or at the end of the presentation. "Come in.Whats up?" Before you do this exercise, its a good idea to check out our information on intonation and stress. If its a simple item, pick up the phone and call. Try These Expressions in a Real Conversation. So that we can action your request promptly, could you please provide some more context and clarification around this? When someone expresses their opinion, you may not clearly understand what they mean or what their position about the matter is. 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. Be non-accusatory. Could/Would/Can you explain what you mean by this? My goal is to complete [Task A] by Thursday, so this information will help me to get started immediately. 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. Both phrases can be used to ask for more information or to give more information when someone requests it of you. My deadline for this project is [date]. Writing a letter for clarification is easy if you follow our advice. Your assistance will go a long way in helping to resolve [issue]. ?" The difference between these two phrases is only in how they are grammatically structured, with clarify being a verb and clarification being a noun. Heres what it might look like. Would you please repeat the instructions for the team again? Why You Should Ask Could You Please How To Ask For Clarification In Email? Do not give orders or blackmail your colleagues. . You need to create a clarification email. *Its better to use Past, not Present. All Rights Reserved. You can set things straight with this email clarifying the dates if that happens. 2. Should I begin with each page Mark adds to the FINAL folder, or do you want me to wait until the SEO changes are complete and youd had a chance to go over everything? Rule #2: Apologize for interrupting. These formats will use formal speech to indicate that you are simply trying to clarify what was said rather than to distract or disrupt. Sorry? Suppose you just received a prescription from the doctor after the diagnosis. 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. Here we give you 5 tips and provide 4 example emails to help you write better help request emails. So, how do you politely ask for clarification in English? You need more information to fully understand what they mean, but the other person is getting irritated with all of your questions? Can/Could/Would you give me an example, please? Heres how. Practice the mechanics: Many of the mechanics youll encounter in a raid can also be found in other activities. If you need to seek clarification during a presentation, the polite way to do so would be to raise your hand or use some non-offensive gesture to attract the speakers attention (no middle fingers!) 1 vote 1 answer 18 views. 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. If the instructions someone sends you are about as clear as furniture assembly instructions written in something other than your native language, youll need to ask for help. What To Do Before You Write an Email For Clarification. A Guide to Using Plain Language in Writing. "That sounds really good. Why dont people respond? Asking For Clarification ENGLISH FORUMS. You can use this any time further clarification is needed. How to Ask for Clarification Politely - Collaborative Solutions Similarly, we live in a fairly distracting world where a variety of daily concerns coupled with the endless distractions present in any environment impede our already strained processing capabilities. ." If your doctor gives you any instructions, you must follow them. If you can help me with these questions by the end of the day, I can get started on the project immediately. Join a clan or community group specifically for raid novices, or ask your team members for clarification. If that's the case, this job offer clarification email sample is for you. State what the speaker has said as you understand it, and check whether this is what they really said. On many occasions, you may not receive the exact information for many reasons. For instance you may use: Both are polite colloquial usage. Sorry, but I didnt quite catch your statement. To ask for clarification politely, it's essential to use open-ended clarification questions stated in a neutral and inquisitive tone of voice. Let me know if you need any further clarification or assistance. The phrase just making sure is a great alternative to just to clarify, as it is more relaxed. Write emails and messages faster across Google Chrome. This phrase allows you to use simple words with no room for misinterpretation. In fact, guessing and getting it wrong is more likely to cause problems than politely asking for more info. Email format guide 6 examples & templates. ), your name, and your signature. There are different ways you can ask for clarification in English. Avoid guilt. Why do many companies reject expired SSL certificates as bugs in bug bounties? I beg pardon, but can you please repeat what you said about the new product launch? You should not blame someone else if you dont understand the other persons words. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please repeat it for me to understand it clearly. So, you must ask for clarification if you dont understand them. 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. Another way to ask for clarification is to let the other person know that you didn't understand them. Provided is an example of how just making sure can be used professionally. Otherwise, you may not do it properly what you are instructed for. You should thank them from the core of your heart. Let me see if I understand this; you want to create a proposal which would limit our available staff positions for hire? Please find re-attached for your convenience. When you ask someone to clarify something for you, it suggests that you are following what the person is saying and understand the majority or all of the key points, but you need more details on a certain point. Use open, non-directive questions - if appropriate. Asking for clarification It would be best if you took it in the morning before the meal. WebSo, if you need some clarification for what you just heard, you can use phrases like Sorry, what did you mean by that? It can help ensure that whatever youre saying does not come across in a way that is not intended. Please let me know if you need any other information. 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. Clarification How do you ask for clarification? Monitoring your tone of voice is a key element of learning to ask for clarification politely. If we take a look at the following example: You are a friendly support person. There are all kinds of situations where you might need to ask clarifying questions. ?" If it's not the subject that's not being understood, but the explanation of it (that is, the misunderstanding is in the delivery), "could you rephrase that?" Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. to politely respond to unclear email response The second makes you sound more informed. Huh? We hope that our clarification email guide provides some simple guidelines to follow. myra on Twitter: "crazyyy how u come into my mentions accusing How to ask somebody for explanation politely, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Polite way to suggest talking about something. Martin holds a Masters degree in Finance and International Business. Before accepting, I would like to clarify some details. How to Prepare for Your First Destiny 2 Raid Well learn some expressions to ask for clarification on someones questions. Type a command in the box below. Be polite while asking. Is that/this ok if I ask/request you to clarify it? Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease. You may not respond or help them accordingly if you dont understand. 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. I snickered, thinking that Janet had come around so soon. 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. Simply say thank you and move on. The clarification email format should be no surprise if you're already used to writing professional messages. I'll be in touch if I require anything else. As we are independently owned, the recommendations made here are our own. Thanks, Tannia, for your support! Chris G. How To Request Clarification Via Email Template. WebIn American English, the word actually is often used to clarify a misunderstanding. ?". Closed Question: Was this experience what you expected? In English, the respondent would immediately understand that you need more than a simple "yes" or "no" answer. ESL Advice is an online platform for ESL learners and teachers in which an expert team of ESL Teachers shares exclusive tips and advice about the English language. People will understand that you are simply seeking to gain the clarification that you need to better understand the situation at hand and will be more willing to engage with you. Its also a great way to allow someone else to add more information they may have forgotten. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Would/Could you please repeat what you said about the issue? Lets explore the three tenants of how to ask for clarification politely. ", Another way to ask for clarification is to let the other person know that you didn't understand them. You then clear up what you need to clarify in the email body. Ah, I see. Effective communication, in particular, is a soft skill that plays a crucial role in career advancement. 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. English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. This FREE e-course will help you let go of your need to keep other people happy and step into your personal power. This sample clarification email to a client will help you get the details and data you need positively and professionally. 20 Email Expressions to Ask for Clarification Tannia Surez However, if you dont understand someones question, you should ask for clarification and answer accordingly. Rule #4: Raise your (virtual) hand. Review the information to see if you missed something. 9 Best Ways to Politely Ask for Information in an Email - Grammarhow 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. But can you repeat it so I can be sure about what you suggested? Below is a helpful structure, and some phrases, to help you politely get what you want with your clarification emails. Here are some expressions to ask for clarification on their requests. New Questions. 10 Polite Ways To Say "Just To Clarify" (Professional Email) This article will introduce you to some pointers on how to request clarification via email. Its my bad. Well! Heres an example to show you how it works: Dear Ms. Browne, Could you please clarify whether this is correct? In such situations, it is highly probable that someone will wish to ask for clarification. May I ask you to explain your observation about the new design further? It can be used very formally, or it can be used with a subtle undertone of disdaine and attitude while still providing information. ? Did you ask about the total turnover for this year? 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. WebPolite Speech Requesting Clarification Postscript. I appreciate your help. Include your contact details and how they can get in touch with you. May I ask you to clarify the matter for me/all of us? How To Ask A thesaurus is your friend here. Meeting link to Linguix vs. Grammarly: Which AI Writing Assistant Is Value for Money in 2023? ask for clarification Would you please repeat what you wanted permission for? Closed questions always lead to a yes or no answer, and hence, gather limited information. I have discussed several situations where you may need to ask for clarification in English. You should appreciate them and give them complimentsfor doing this favor for you. WebHow do you politely ask for something? A great example of why this is a good synonym phrase to use when you want more information about something, but you dont want to come off as intimidating or rude by using just to clarify. Ask a question. Looking for clarification? 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. Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc. Start with an explanatory subject line Try to make the subject line of your email clear and self-explanatory. So, you must request them to do this favor for you. However, there can be miscommunication if information or opinion is not clearly expressed or understood. WebWhen you ask someone for clarification, you are asking them to say something in a different way or provide more information so that you 20 Email Expressions to Ask for Clarification So when we want to ask for clarification in English, we can use these expressions: 1 What exactly are you saying? In doing so, you will be perceived as non-accusatory and therefore, not threatening. Not doing so and beginning to speak while the presenter is still speaking is seen as very rude in just about any formal setting. Q: I've tried that. to Ask the Perfect Question If you need extra information from a candidate, this clarification email after an interview provides the ideal structure. If you're reading this post, you probably want to improve your English conversation skills, and the best way to do that is by having actual conversations. 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. I am sorry, but did you say he is the companys CEO? Depending on the nature of your clarification request email, you may want to attach some information, including links, or add attachments. Could you rephrase your question, please? A good way is to summarize what you have understood and didnt. Useful English Phrases for Discussion and Debate. Scenario #1: When one person is dominating the conversation. For ESL learners, interrupting someone while someone is talking can Linguix vs. Grammarly: Which AI Writing Assistant Is Value for Money in 2023? If we want to double-check, we can ask for clarification. In formulating an answer, you may find they did provide enough details. It will keep everything flowing smoothly with the new website launch. How to ask for help via email Use a clear, direct subject line. How to interrupt Janet opened the door and smiled slightly. If we want to make sure that someone has understood, you can request confirmation that someone has Heres an example of how to use for the record in a professional manner. 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. To determine how to write a meeting request email, follow these steps: 1. Sorry, one more time? Weve all been there: a long meeting, an intense lecture, a complicated sales presentation. 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. 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. Dont make it sound bad. What do you think about somebody/something. 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.