how to ask for clarification politely

You can use the following template to make sure that you have effective communication for professional emails or personal emails. Will you please explain the question to me? This allows the presenter to complete his or her thought so that you are completely informed. 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. Most of the time, your clients are not responding because: They got busy and haven't found the time to write their response to you. Then Mark will make the copy changes and move the documents to a drive folder marked FINAL. WebAsking for Clarification. I was pleased to receive your job offer earlier today. Both of them are fine in any conversation of an official nature, but are not exclusively limited to just the two. How legitimate is the phrase "from which one to choose"? In doing so, you will be perceived as non-accusatory and therefore, not threatening. So, do you really think this will be a profitable deal? Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. So, if you are confused about understanding what the other person said in a conversation, you should ask for clarification. Sorry? It also depends on how big the work is, but I think that generally asking for clarification is never a bad idea. If you're facing a deadline, you should always include details about when you need to receive answers. Would you mind repeating the name of the place? Is that right? Show enthusiasm for the position. It makes the phrase sound a little bit softer and a little more polite. Informally You can simply say Sorry? or Come again? with a curious tone to ask someone for clarification. However, if you dont understand them, you should ask them to clarify. You should only ask for clarification if you really feel it requires clarification. Before accepting, you may want clarification about the terms and conditions or the salary. WebHow to Ask for Clarification Politely Collaborative Solutions 338 subscribers 329 views 3 years ago Have you ever experienced a meeting where somebody is explaining something, Good Communication Makes You More Valuable. If you have any questions, you can reach me at (222) 222-2222. All Rights Reserved. However, if the instruction is unclear, you may need to ask for clarification so you can take medicine properly. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. 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. [Survey] Is It Rude to Say Please and Thank You at the Same Time? This is a standard clarification email that you can use to request some answers from anyone, including a colleague, customer, client, or professional. Can you repeat it? You then clear up what you need to clarify in the email body. We thoroughly test different courses, books, learning materials, etc., and recommend only the bests. Every day, we get engaged in conversations for different purposes. Huh? If its complex, technical, or there are things the manager needs to know in order to provide the clarification, then by all means write an e-mail. Next, state your current understanding of the situation. Theres an emergency you need to deal with." Now, well learn useful expressions to ask someone to clarify instructions. I appreciate your help. Thus we need to ask them for further clarification without feeling awkward. You might say: Nows not the time to use the command form of any verb; dont say things like Say it again, slower! or You need to give us more examples! Those are clear indications that you are not being polite. Have you requested to send me the MS Word file or the PDF? On many occasions, you may not receive the exact information for many reasons. Recovering from a blunder I made while emailing a professor. Indicate that this is a request to set up a meeting in the subject line by including words like discussion', 'meeting' or schedule'. Thanks for sending over your directions for implementing the new website copy. How can we prove that the supernatural or paranormal doesn't exist? "Thank you for getting back to me so quickly". ?" 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. Would/Could you please elaborate on it for me? Lets take a look at some common cases that can come up in our work and personal lives and consider the best ways to respond. 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. Q: I've tried that. 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. In doing so, you will be perceived as non-accusatory and therefore, not threatening. Simply say thank you and move on. 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. Then what happens if three players make a sack together? Could/Would you please put it differently so that it becomes easy for me to understand? Include your contact details and how they can get in touch with you. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise. Could I ask for clarification on? Can/Could/Would you please repeat your take on that? Heres an example of just to make sure were on the same page being used professionally. Do not give orders or blackmail your colleagues. "In response to your request for. link to Linguix vs. Grammarly: Which AI Writing Assistant Is Value for Money in 2023? You can use this any time further clarification is needed. Could you please repeat it? are the common formal ways of asking someone for clarification in English. Your assistance will go a long way in helping to resolve [issue]. Now, well learn some useful expressions to ask someone to clarify instructions. Here we give you 5 tips and provide 4 example emails to help you write better help request emails. Did you mean to send me? The phrase just making sure is a great alternative to just to clarify, as it is more relaxed. Have you ever found it challenging to interrupt someone to express your opinion, make suggestions, or ask for further information? Why dont people respond? Did you say that you want to go there alone? What I meant was. Now well learn some very useful expressions that you can use to politely ask for clarification in English. "That sounds really good. Review the information to see if you missed something. If you can help me with these questions by the end of the day, I can get started on the project immediately. Either. A salutation followed by the hiring manager's name is common. Could you please repeat the date of the event? Would/Could you please repeat what you said about the issue? WebSample Email Asking Clarification From Client This is likewise one of the factors by obtaining the soft documents of this Sample Email Asking Clarification From how to ask for clarification politely collaborative solutions web here are a Reframing your request into "for the greater good" makes it much more digestible to follow up with. So, if there is any confusion about instructions, make sure you ask for clarification. Sample Letters for Request Bank To Clarify Service Charge. Before accepting, I would like to clarify some details. You'll also hear native speakers say "If I understood you correctly." Martin holds a Masters degree in Finance and International Business. A reference has been provided on how to professionally use for your information. 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. Open Question: How will you be an asset to the company if we hire you? Invest in your future by investing time and effort to improve your communication skills. 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. May I? Can I? and Could I? are three of the most common expressions in English used to ask for permission. When you ask someone to "elaborate on" something, you're asking them to explain it in greater detail, which is another good way to ask for clarification. WebSample Email Asking Clarification From Client This is likewise one of the factors by obtaining the soft documents of this Sample Email Asking Clarification From how to ask for clarification politely collaborative solutions web here are a Welcome to Grammarhow!We are on a mission to help you become better at English. In most cases, you can save face by solving your own problem without asking a question to clarify. 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. ESL Advice receives compensation from companies or individuals for recommending their products. (We told you it was easy, now see our examples!). How to follow the signal when reading the schematic? Thanks, Tannia, for your support! Chris G. Its my bad. 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? So, how do you politely ask for clarification on someones request in English? Could you rephrase your question, please? If you do, always explain what they are and why they matter. A slightly more polite version of this phrase is "I'm not sure what you mean by . Would you please tell me your thoughts about the issue again? You'll learn how to structure email clarifications, what to include, and see how it works with 9 examples and a template. While this can be a longer phrase, its a great way to both clarify and ask for clarification while not sounding as though you werent listening or being rude.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'grammarhow_com-box-3','ezslot_3',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-grammarhow_com-box-3-0'); If youre looking to clarify something youve said or to ask for more clarification in case you dont want to seem as though you werent paying attention. Doctor: Oh, sure. Sorry, but I didnt quite catch your statement. Heres what it might look like. The meaning of both phrases is the same and used interchangeably. If you have received a cost-of-living salary increase, keep your email short and polite. No worries! 2021 Collaborative Solutions | Lead your teams effectively without losing yourself. For many people, particularly people who arent aural or visual learners, different processing preferences and capabilities make it harder for some people to keep up with conversations. If someone is kind enough to provide the answers you need when you need them, it's polite to say thank you. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. I snickered, thinking that Janet had come around so soon. Here are seven phrases for using your opening lines to imply that your email is a reply or response: "Thank you for your email regarding. To ask for clarification politely, it's essential to use open-ended clarification questions stated in a neutral and inquisitive tone of voice. What To Include In An Email For Clarification, Ask Specific Questions To Clarify Information, How To Write an Email Asking For Interview Feedback, How to Write an Email About Dropping a Class, How to Write an Email to A Real Estate Agent, How to Write an Email Introducing Yourself, How to Write an Email to A Roofing Company. Use the expressions below to address these potentially problematic situations smoothly and professionally. Could you rephrase what you just said to me about the problem? Put the question in the first or second sentence. If you do feel compelled to ask before a presenter has reached a point where there is a lull in the presentation or conversation, its very important to raise your hand. This phrase indicates that you are clearly trying to be polite, as please and thank you are reserved for polite, formal speech. I appreciate your time and your help in clarifying this question. WebPolite Speech Requesting Clarification Postscript. ." How to ask for something in an email with 9 examples, Request for meeting email with samples and templates. However, they become useless if you dont understand or follow them. 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. Then, if youre still not clear on something, its time to write an email to ask for clarification. 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. Ultimately, who should be responsible for completing. Styling contours by colour and by line thickness in QGIS. If that's the case, this job offer clarification email sample is for you. It gives you an easy way to state what you mean, directly letting everyone know you are sharing pertinent information. My deadline for this project is [date]. Using phrases such as Im sorry or Excuse me when asking for clarification indicates a participatory tone that simply seeks better understanding. Would you be able to help me with these questions before then? In this situation, you may need to ask them to repeat, explain or clarify their position. Grammarly For MS Office - HereS How to Ask For Clarification from So Why are trials on "Law & Order" in the New York Supreme Court? Make sure to add a sign-off (thanks, kind regards, etc. Let me make myself clear, everyone must follow all of the new health and safety guidelines in accordance with the CDC. 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. 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. When someone says anything, they usually give you information about something or someone. You should ask for an apology first, as you already have missed what the person said earlier. If students have never learned how to politely ask for clarification, youll need to teach them courteous English expressions and when to use them. You may also like: 10 Better Ways To Say Thank You For Clarifying In Emails. Is it possible to rotate a window 90 degrees if it has the same length and width? In other words, who, what, where, when, why, and how. Leadership communication skills to elevate team performance. The first thing you should do is thank the sender for providing the information. Read more about Martin here. Would you please repeat the instructions for the team again? Learn useful English phrases for discussion and debate. Both the past and present tense are acceptable. WebGeneral rules on how to politely interrupt in a meeting Rule #1: Start by asking for permission to chime in Rule #2: Apologize for interrupting Rule #3: Mind the timing and the relevancy Rule #4: Raise your (virtual) hand How to interrupt politely in a meeting Scenario #1: When one person is dominating the conversation Its my bad that I dont quite understand you. 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. Thank you for providing the detailed information about [Topic X]. There are a few simple steps to follow when youre looking for further explanation. I beg pardon, but can you please repeat what you said about the new product launch? So, how do you politely ask for clarification in English? If you have to ask again (or if you keep relying on the same person), consider approaching someone else. GET IN TOUCH 514.551.0493 | [emailprotected]. When It Is Considered Rude to Ask for Clarification, Theres Never a Time to Not Politely Seek Clarification. This article breaks down the process of writing request emails for information, documents, contact details, favors and more. Closed Question: Did you always feel that it was a challenge working with him? Im sorry, but I couldnt follow your question. English Speaking Practice || How to Ask for Clarification in English || Beginner- Advanced levels. If someone orders you or gives instructionsto do something, its essential to fully understand what they say. 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. As a freelance consultant, she also supports companies and executives in overcoming communication challenges. ?". You can edit and adapt these as required to get the necessary information. 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. Youre a busy person, so here is a template you can use right away. May I ask you to clarify your position on this? However, there can be miscommunication if information or opinion is not clearly expressed or understood. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Try to use them in real life and master them. Open Question: When did you first notice that it was a challenge working with him? Grammarly stands with our friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine, and with all people of Ukraine. Generally, asking for clarification is not undesirable in most social circles, particularly during long, technical presentations in academic, educational, or professional settings. Use one of our 9 samples to ask for clarification in an email. Join a clan or community group specifically for raid novices, or ask your team members for clarification. Be polite in the choice of your words, tone, and body language. Asking clarifying questions shows that you're actively listening and want to understand. We usually stress the word actually to signal that were going to explain what we really meant. May I ask you to say the things again that you requested earlier? To clarify, the key is to keep things simple, provide all details you need, and remember you're dealing with a real person. Here are some expressions to ask for clarification on their requests. Web1. car, washing machine, telephone) to a sales department or someone involved in procurement. Just be sure to fill in all the gaps, and proofread before sending. Ask for repetition. Can/Would/Could you be a bit/little more specific, please? If you "break something down," you separate it into its parts. You can end on a positive note by thanking the other person for their time and consideration of their clarification request. You should thank them from the core of your heart. An example is provided below on the professional usage of just so I understand. We hope that our clarification email guide provides some simple guidelines to follow. Question and answer site. Have you wanted me to send the emails first, then attend the meeting? 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. What To Include In An Email For Clarification Thank The Sender For The Information State Your Current Understanding Acknowledge that you need clarification. Exemplary scenarios include presenting technical manufacturing information for a specific machine, device, or appliance (Ex. Would you be able to confirm some details? Follow the format, keep things clear, and always include your contact details! Let me see if I understand this; you want to create a proposal which would limit our available staff positions for hire? Here, Ill share some ways to ask for clarification on someones suggestions in English. Thank you for providing the information about [Topic X]. 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. Use a call to action to clarify the next steps. In formulating an answer, you may find they did provide enough details. Needing clarification is not a bad thing, and understanding 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. Asked by Anonymous Mar 3, 2023. Perhaps you find yourself asking for clarification a few times and it feels awkward when you still dont agree with the person. In formulating an answer, you may find they did provide enough details. Dont make it sound bad. There are many situations where you might find yourself needing to ask for clarification. Open Question: What were you expecting to experience? The preferred synonym to just to clarify is just to make sure were on the same page. Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? *this is very polite) Can you explain what you mean? If you need any other information, please let me know. Sometimes, using just to clarify doesnt convey how you feel when youre asking for more information. 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. ?" Give your reader a deadline. About an argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality, A limit involving the quotient of two sums. Saying something like Thats just stupid! or How can you say that? makes it seem that the presenter has no idea what she or he is talking about. Now, lets learn some expressions that native speakers of English commonly use to ask for clarification. I am available for a phone call or meeting if that would be helpful. Read on below the template to learn why each section is important, and for additional tips and useful information so you can make sure that your email comes across well. ", Telling your conversation partner what you think they meant is an effective way to ask for clarification. Did you ask me to close the main door or this door? Start with an explanatory subject line Try to make the subject line of your email clear and self-explanatory. Can you repeat the ways I have to do it? Greet your reader. If I understand you correctly, you want Carolyn to add her SEO changes to the documents marked PENDING in the Google Drive. Sometimes you may not completely understand what Ask for help: If youre struggling to understand a mechanic, dont hesitate to ask for help. Would you say that again, please? & I am afraid I didnt quite catch that. In the next section of the email, you want to clearly outline your goals, any important deadlines, and next steps. For such individuals, paying attention to lengthy topics, particularly if it is not an area of interest, will be ineffective and there is a high chance that such individuals will be distracted at some point. Are there tables of wastage rates for different fruit and veg? Have a listen: I got it. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Doctor: You should take this medicine once a day. The first thing to remember when asking for clarification is that you can be honest and straightforward. Can you rephrase the instructions, please? Please send your invoice for all work from our most recent contract to youremail@email.com and CC me. ", Instead of saying "I don't understand," you can also just say "I'm (a little) confused. Rule #2: Apologize for interrupting. By speaking solely in terms of your own perspective, your listener will be more open to further discussion.

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