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.. Open-ended questions leave space to fully explore another persons perspective. In each case, you want to push for the information you need in a polite way to avoid damaging your relationships. Both the past and present tense are acceptable. 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. Informal Sorry, I didnt catch that. Thanks for the effort you made to explain it again. Have you ever found it challenging to interrupt someone to express your opinion, make suggestions, or ask for further information? In other words, who, what, where, when, why, and how. However, if you dont understand someones question, you should ask for clarification and answer accordingly. 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. And that's how to end an email asking for clarification. Can/Could/Would you please repeat your take on that? Asking somebody to clarify something Read more about Martin here. So if you ask someone to "break down" something they said, you ask them to explain it part by part. She should leave her changes as suggestions. Clarification Emails: Structure and Phrases - Target Training GmbH Reframing your request into "for the greater good" makes it much more digestible to follow up with. A tendency to avoid asking too many questions leads many people to avoid asking for clarification altogether because of a fear of being perceived as disruptive. What To Include In An Email For Clarification Thank The Sender For The Information State Your Current Understanding Acknowledge that you need clarification. Ask for help: If youre struggling to understand a mechanic, dont hesitate to ask for help. Before accepting, I would like to clarify some details. Why are trials on "Law & Order" in the New York Supreme Court? This phrase indicates that you are clearly trying to be polite, as please and thank you are reserved for polite, formal speech. Would you mind telling me the whole formula in detail? Sorry, what was that? ), your name, and your signature. Tips Start with Dear and the persons title and name. 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. Clarification Just to make sure were on the same page, all reports are to be completed by Tuesday. Always keep in mind that the other person is not bound to clarify things again for you. For example, something like: Write an email to my boss asking for a day off of work. 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? Heres how. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Recently, an American client told me that shes really impressed with my English. They allow the person to expand on the topic rather than giving a simple yes or no response. Sometimes we need clarification when we want to get a better handle on where others are coming from. 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. 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. How To Write An Email To A Manager (With Examples - Indeed Well learn some expressions to ask for clarification on someones questions. Heres what it might look like. Follow the format, keep things clear, and always include your contact details! State what the speaker has said as you understand it, and check whether this is what they really said. If you do, always explain what they are and why they matter. I wonder if you can say it in a different way for me/us. If I understood you correctly, you would like me to Could you please clarify what you meant by? politely We can split clarification emails into three parts. Did you ask me to close the main door or this door? Would you please repeat what you wanted permission for? Then, if youre still not clear on something, its time to write an email to ask for clarification. Would you like me to switch off all the lights? in a polite way? No one likes to say those words for fear of sounding slow on the uptake. WebHow do you politely ask for something? ". I didnt quite catch it. However, they become useless if you dont understand or follow them. Asking For Clarification ENGLISH FORUMS. The second makes you sound more informed. When you want to ask for more clarification on something, but dont want to seem rude, do I understand allows you to ask for more information and gives others the ability to correct you if necessary without sounding as though they are berating or belittling you. Its my bad that I dont quite understand you. The customer will ask you questions, and you will provide polite responses Q: My phone won't start. You got this! Have you ever experienced a meeting where somebody is explaining something, but for the life of you, you cannot even begin to understand their point of view? Effective communication, in particular, is a soft skill that plays a crucial role in career advancement. These formats will use formal speech to indicate that you are simply trying to clarify what was said rather than to distract or disrupt. If you have any questions, you can reach me at (222) 222-2222. If thats the case, it's best to get straight into business. Our goal is to create English lessons that are easy to understand for everyone. It makes the phrase sound a little bit softer and a little more polite. This sample clarification email to a client will help you get the details and data you need positively and professionally. There are other words you might use in this case as well. Asking somebody to explain something implies that you don't know anything about the topic and want the person to teach you. Do not give orders or blackmail your colleagues. rev2023.3.3.43278. [3]. Then what happens if three players make a sack together? 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. Be polite, and use languages that focus the situation on you and not the other person. 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. If that's the case, this job offer clarification email sample is for you. Did you mean to send me? Ask for repetition. Generally, asking for clarification is not undesirable in most social circles, particularly during long, technical presentations in academic, educational, or professional settings. ?" 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. Would you please repeat the instructions for the team again? We can say the exact same thing in two entirely different tones of voice. Sorry, but I didnt quite catch your statement. Hi Jessica, Thanks for your email. In such situations, it is highly probable that someone will wish to ask for clarification. May I ask you to share your suggestions again? Further, using the conditional mood also indicates that you are not directing the conversation. May I request further clarification of instruction number 5? politely 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. Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? WebClarifying What You Heard, Asking Someone to Repeat Themselves, and Confirming Your Understanding Communication Skills: Express Yourself Clearly Get Your Number Stress Right: How to Pronounce Numbers Clearly in English The Power of Pitch: Change Your Tone for Better Stress and Intonation in English Useful English Phrases for Discussion Write emails & messages faster than ever with our AI writing assistant, Get the best resources for professional communication & productivity. Thank you for your time and for helping me to clarify these questions. Ask a question. Sometimes we zone out, but sometimes we just dont understand. How to Ask for Clarification 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!) Now well learn some very useful expressions that you can use to politely ask for clarification in English. writing effective letters Public World. Now, well learn useful expressions to ask someone to clarify instructions. Scenario #2: When the conversation gets sidetracked. A good way is to summarize what you have understood and didnt. Therefore, If something is mentioned at the beginning of a meeting or lecture and individuals dont have sufficient time to process that information relative to additional content, or they werent paying attention, there is a high probability that such individuals will have no idea what was said previously. It also depends on how big the work is, but I think that generally asking for clarification is never a bad idea. If you need extra information from a candidate, this clarification email after an interview provides the ideal structure. Once again, clarification would be necessary. When you ask someone to clarify their position, its better to ask them open-ended questions (WH questionsand Choice/Alternativequestions) rather than closed questions (Yes-Noand Tag questions). 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. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. How to Ask for Clarification Politely - LinkedIn WebOne option is to politely explain that you didnt understand a part of the message, and ask for the speaker to repeat all of it. If you've been asked to clarify some details, this clarification email reply sample provides a straightforward template to follow. This shows you have a desire for more information and it sounds as though you are genuinely invested in the current topic at hand. Open Question: How will you be an asset to the company if we hire you? Tannia is a very authentic person and is able to provide clients powerful and versatile communication tools that can be employed in daily conversations, in negotiations or in meetings. Both of them are fine in any conversation of an official nature, but are not exclusively limited to just the two. Be polite while asking. You'll learn how to structure email clarifications, what to include, and see how it works with 9 examples and a template. Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease. This article will introduce you to some pointers on how to request clarification via email. For many people, asking for clarification is incredibly embarrassing, while others may find themselves disrupting the flow of the conversation in an attempt to clarify a statement only to receive scorn from those around them. Kind regards, (Your name) 3. As we are independently owned, the recommendations made here are our own. 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. How To Write a Follow-up Email After a Verbal Job Offer Give your reader a deadline. Some time in your elementary school life, you may have had a teacher who said, The only stupid question is the one you dont ask. That stock teacher phrase couldnt make things any clearerits okay to ask for an explanation if you dont understand. Simply say thank you and move on. 1 vote 1 answer 18 views. However, there can be miscommunication if information or opinion is not clearly expressed or understood. Thank you for sending me information about (product/service). Clarity is the key to effective communication. How would you explain it to me?" Whether you are in a formal or informal situation, politeness is the key to a good conversation. Reframing your request into "for the greater good" makes it much more digestible to follow up with. There are different ways you can ask for clarification in English. We've outlined the process to create clarification emails. Would you please tell me your thoughts about the issue again? So, to understand the request, on many occasions, you may need to ask for clarification. Is that/this ok if I ask/request you to clarify it? If I don't hear from you by (date/time), I'll give you a call. Perhaps you find yourself asking for clarification a few times and it feels awkward when you still dont agree with the person. There are many situations where you might find yourself needing to ask for clarification. You should thank them from the core of your heart. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise. Avoid It appears there has been a breakdown in communication. There are different ways you can ask for clarification in English. How to Write a Thank You Email for a Salary Increase If you are wanting to ask for clarification politely, blaming the other person is definitely not the way to go. Clarification Sample Letters How to Write a. Welcome to Grammarhow!We are on a mission to help you become better at English. How do you explain something in an email? Finally, you finish each clarification letter with all the essential details and a suitable sign-off. DeFrank." As a freelance consultant, she also supports companies and executives in overcoming communication challenges. Sometimes, using just to clarify doesnt convey how you feel when youre asking for more information. A reference has been provided on how to professionally use for your information. I am available for a phone call or meeting if that would be helpful or more convenient for you. Phrases to Use to Confirm Information - ThoughtCo You can also get another perspective by asking someone else to review the information. Avoid guilt. Use the expressions below to address these potentially problematic situations smoothly and professionally. Martin holds a Masters degree in Finance and International Business. How can we prove that the supernatural or paranormal doesn't exist? If I understand you correctly, you want Carolyn to add her SEO changes to the documents marked PENDING in the Google Drive. How to Write a Thank You Email for a Salary Increase An example where it would be appropriate to use this phrase would be when you want to discuss a topic with someone and you check in on them and their progress to make sure they are working off of the correct information. Not sure if this was meant for me. Don't worry: Asking for clarification is easy. How to interrupt politely in a meeting - Pumble Could you please repeat it? are the common formal ways of asking someone for clarification in English. Master 101 frequent business situations with our eBook! Your assistance will go a long way in helping to resolve [issue]. It gives you an easy way to state what you mean, directly letting everyone know you are sharing pertinent information. Either way, there is a high probability that youve been in a conversation where you need clarification. If you ever have a question and wish to seek clarification, using the proper timing, format and intention will ensure that your question comes across as the perfect clarification question to help everyone see more clearly. Whenever confusing, lengthy, or multi-part topics are presented, there is a high probability that someone will have missed some of the information shared, prompting someone to seek clarification on the topic. I couldnt follow what you said about it. Here are some expressions to ask for clarification when someone asks for your permission. Say that you didnt understand rather than saying that the other person could not clarify it. Both are fine options, but if we're being pedantic, they mean slightly different things. Patient: Thanks, doctor. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Ask Moreover, it will imply that you think you already know what the answer is, even though you need clarification! To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. If you "break something down," you separate it into its parts. 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. Before you do this exercise, its a good idea to check out our information on intonation and stress. I appreciate your time and your help in clarifying this question. You need to create a clarification email. *this is very polite) Can you explain what you mean? Let the person know if you dont quite grasp the issue or if you only understand part of it. How to interrupt politely. It can help ensure that whatever youre saying does not come across in a way that is not intended. Lets take a look at There are more ways to give and receive clarification while still maintaining your professionalism. Have you wanted me to send the emails first, then attend the meeting? Be non-accusatory. Recovering from a blunder I made while emailing a professor. 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. Need help nailing down some details about a person, product, project, or appointment? In a situation where you feel as though you dont have all of the information, whether thats because you missed part of it or it just seems as though theres a gap, using just so I understand gives you the time to go over what you do know and lets others fill in any missing pieces. Bullet points are the most effective way of listing out your questions. On many occasions, you may not receive the exact information for many reasons. For your information, a pamphlet will be provided detailing the new workflow system. Would you mind repeating the name of the place? . How to Ask for Clarification Politely 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. Rule #2: Apologize for interrupting. It sometimes happens that interviewers may need extra information after your meeting. Your submission has been received! Grammarly For MS Office - HereS How to Ask For Clarification from So Something went wrong while submitting the form. How to make a GPT-3 model remember past conversations? Ask for help: If youre struggling to understand a mechanic, dont hesitate to ask for help. I appreciate your detailed explanation, however, I am unclear about which approach we should follow. To create a follow-up email, follow these steps: 1. Remember, technical skills get you hired, but soft skills get you promoted. May I request you share your queries again? Could you give me some more details about? ?" WebAlexander was a polite, considerate and astute student, who was always friendly, focused on his studies and considerate of others. being one of the first students to arrive at the class and asking detailed questions for clarification and verification of his understanding afterwards. I have discussed several situations where you may need to ask for clarification in English. Could/Would/Can you be a bit clearer about it? It will keep everything flowing smoothly with the new website launch. English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. Asked by Anonymous Mar 3, 2023. Please let me know how we can avoid this in the future. 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. requesting help on restructuring project of our shared client SkyTechlet's discuss details over call or video conferenceyour advice invaluable. (meaning to say it in another way) is appropriate. WebA listener can ask for clarification when they cannot make sense of the speaker's responses. Would/Could you please say that again for me/us? In this article, we'll show you how to request clarification via email. Of course, that's a distinction that can probably be blurred depending on exactly how you're using the words, but it might be useful to understand that they don't mean exactly the same thing. 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. So, if there is any confusion about instructions, make sure you ask for clarification. So, do you really think this will be a profitable deal? I beg pardon, but can you please repeat what you said about the new product launch? Thank you! Every day, we get engaged in conversations for different purposes.
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