Suppose you just received a prescription from the doctor after the diagnosis. ", Instead of saying "I don't understand," you can also just say "I'm (a little) confused. Heres what it might look like. Both the past and present tense are acceptable. I have discussed several situations where you may need to ask for clarification in English. Would you prefer if we go with approach A or B in this situation? 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. Now, lets see some English expressions that you can use to respond to someones clarification. You can use the following template to make sure that you have effective communication for professional emails or personal emails. After the person clarifies themselves, you can let them know that you now understand and are thankful. How To Write a Follow-up Email After a Verbal Job Offer 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. Don't worry: Asking for clarification is easy. Huh? 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. As we are independently owned, the recommendations made here are our own. Now, well learn useful expressions to ask someone to clarify instructions. You need more information to fully understand what they mean, but the other person is getting irritated with all of your questions? English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. Did you say that you want to go there alone? Lets move on. 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? Asking for Clarification - City University of New York When asking for clarification, it is essential to choose an appropriate time, such as a Q&A session after a presentation. 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. Your help will go a long way in helping to resolve [issue]. politely ask Closed Question: Will you be an asset to the company if we hire you? A Guide to Using Plain Language in Writing. Start with a polite greeting It's polite to start written correspondence with a greeting. (We told you it was easy, now see our examples!). If students have never learned how to politely ask for clarification, youll need to teach them courteous English expressions and when to use them. Its an easy phrase used to help break the barrier of communication and make sure everyone has the same information. When It Is Considered Rude to Ask for Clarification, Theres Never a Time to Not Politely Seek Clarification. Have you just suggested calling him when he is home? When it comes to the proper format for asking a clarification question or seeking clarification, the key is to use basic rules of etiquette. When asking for clarification, the key to being polite is to embrace the opposite of the principles noted above: Ask at the proper time, use a polite format and present your question in a genuine and sincere manner. Managing conflicts or misunderstandings through email communication can be challenging. How to politely ask for clarification on a person's designation? Heres an example to show you how it works: Dear Ms. Browne, Could you please clarify whether this is correct? If you have received a cost-of-living salary increase, keep your email short and polite. Lets explore the three tenants of how to ask for clarification politely. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. Q: I've tried that. 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. The phrase can you elaborate is a great alternative for when you want to ask for clarification. The most common cause for a phone not starting is that the battery is dead. Scenario #1: When one person is dominating the conversation. To create a follow-up email, follow these steps: 1. I appreciate your time and your help in clarifying this question. Make sure to add a sign-off (thanks, kind regards, etc. Whether you are in a formal or informal situation, politeness is the key to a good conversation. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Let me make myself clear, everyone must follow all of the new health and safety guidelines in accordance with the CDC. When youre writing a professional email, you may find yourself tired of using the phrase just to clarify, but cant come up with any other options, dont worry! Did you ask me to close the main door or this door? Here we give you 5 tips and provide 4 example emails to help you write better help request emails. Asking somebody to explain something implies that you don't know anything about the topic and want the person to teach you. Thank them for the interview don't understand in English To ask for clarification politely, it is essential to use open-ended clarification questions stated in a neutral and inquisitive tone of voice. Even if you dont quite understand what they are trying to communicate, express your thanks to them for their time and effort. Heres how. To clarify, you want, correct? Ask a question. word choice - How to ask somebody for explanation Use a call to action to clarify the next steps. Phrases to Use to Confirm Information - ThoughtCo 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). Thanks for clearly letting me know your opinion; I value whatever you suggest. You should ask for an apology first, as you already have missed what the person said earlier. I beg your pardon, but have you mentioned my name as a team member for the new project? Ask for specific examples. This shows you have a desire for more information and it sounds as though you are genuinely invested in the current topic at hand. You should not blame someone else if you dont understand the other persons words. How to 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. When someone expresses their opinion, you may not clearly understand what they mean or what their position about the matter is. Im glad that you specifically explained the issue. In such situations, it is highly probable that someone will wish to ask for clarification. politely ask WebThe preferred ways to ask are could you please provide me with the details, could you provide the details, and do you mind sharing the details with me? These questions get The difference between just to clarify and just for clarification is fairly small. 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. Just to clarify can be a phrase some view as intimidating, as they may feel you are doubting them or acting as though you are above them. Be specific about what you expect to be clarified. Well! WebAsking for Clarification. Be polite in the choice of your words, tone, and body language. Interrupting Politely, Interjecting Opinions, and Sharing Ideas How do you explain something in an email? Below is a reference example showing how let me make this clear can be used professionally. Styling contours by colour and by line thickness in QGIS. Avoid guilt. Heres an example of how to use for the record in a professional manner. 2021 Collaborative Solutions | Lead your teams effectively without losing yourself. What I meant was. [1]. Therefore, when you request someone to clarify something, you may use modal verbs to sound polite. Now, well learn some useful expressions to ask someone to clarify instructions. May I ask you to explain your observation about the new design further? 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. Asking Clarification 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. 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. 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. She should leave her changes as suggestions. How to politely ask for clarification on a person's designation? Open Question: How will you be an asset to the company if we hire you? Once again, clarification would be necessary. Can you assist me with this question by tomorrow afternoon? Review the information to see if you missed something. Respond To A Confusing Email: An Email Template 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 you do, always explain what they are and why they matter. ?". You see! Ultimately, who should be responsible for completing. To ask for clarification politely, it's essential to use open-ended clarification questions stated in a neutral and inquisitive tone of voice. If you 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. Email format guide 6 examples & templates. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Greet your reader. If you need extra information from a candidate, this clarification email after an interview provides the ideal structure. I was pleased to receive your job offer earlier today. 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. Can you repeat the ways I have to do it? Just be sure to fill in all the gaps, and proofread before sending. State what the speaker has said as you understand it, and check whether this is what they really said. Have a conversation before sending an email. Here are some examples: What would you like to see as the final deliverable? ". It sometimes happens that interviewers may need extra information after your meeting. Is that/this ok if I ask/request you to clarify it? Use open, non-directive questions - if appropriate. Lets take a look at How to interrupt Always try to ask open-ended questions while asking for clarification. Thank you! Could you please repeat the date of the event? It appears there has been a breakdown in communication. While we communicate with others, we exchange information and opinion. Request to clarify a Freedom of Information request to. Open Question: When did you first notice that it was a challenge working with him? Could/Would/Can you be a bit clearer about it? Youre a busy person, so here is a template you can use right away. 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. Reminder Should You Be Home When Contractors Are Working. Web1. How to Write a Thank You Email for a Salary Increase Open Question: What were you expecting to experience? Have a listen: I got it. Finally, you finish each clarification letter with all the essential details and a suitable sign-off. 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. Grammarly For MS Office - HereS How to Ask For Clarification from So Rule #3: Mind the timing and the relevancy. Include your contact details and how they can get in touch with you. One great way to do this is to ask a lot of open-ended questions. Sorted by: 2. Is it possible to rotate a window 90 degrees if it has the same length and width? May I ask you to clarify the matter for me/all of us? <-- This is a past question A: Try plugging your phone into the charger for an hour and then turn it on. Would it be possible for me to hear from you about this again? Supercharge your communication with Flowrite. But would you please tell me what would be the best time to take it? Click here for 1:1 customized coaching programs that will help you achieve your career goals faster. No worries! You'll learn how to structure email clarifications, what to include, and see how it works with 9 examples and a template. Its highly likely you'll need to clarify details with a client at some stage. Closed Question: Was this experience what you expected? Looking for clarification? How to Prepare for Your First Destiny 2 Raid However, if you dont understand them, you should ask them to clarify. Would you please repeat the instructions for the team again? What do you think about somebody/something. Reframing your request into "for the greater good" makes it much more digestible to follow up with. Its my bad that I dont quite understand you. Dont cross the line. Both phrases can be used interchangeably, as they have the same meaning. myra on Twitter: "crazyyy how u come into my mentions accusing So, if there is any confusion about instructions, make sure you ask for clarification. link to 50 Polite Ways to Interrupt Someone in English. 03 Mar 2023 13:44:40 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. Sometimes there can be misunderstandings about dates and times for meetings and appointments. Show respect. To determine how to write a meeting request email, follow these steps: 1. Also known as clarification letters, clarification emails are used to get the information required to move forward. We hope that our clarification email guide provides some simple guidelines to follow. Write emails for work the way you would a standard letter. Can you clarify some details for me, please? Show enthusiasm for the position. link to Linguix vs. Grammarly: Which AI Writing Assistant Is Value for Money in 2023? Contacting researchers for clarification is good practice. It's a good idea to spell out precisely what information you need. To obtain clarification, you have to truly want to understand the other persons point of view. "If I understand you correctly " is a slightly more formal way to check your understanding. 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. Kind regards, (Your name) 3. Do you mind if I ask you to mention his name again? politely May I? Can I? and Could I? are three of the most common expressions in English used to ask for permission. If you have received a cost-of-living salary increase, keep your email short and polite. Please reload the page and try again. I learned that if two players sack cooperatively, each defender gets 0.5 sacks in their statistics. Please send your invoice for all work from our most recent contract to youremail@email.com and CC me. 1 Answer. For ESL learners, interrupting someone while someone is talking can Linguix vs. Grammarly: Which AI Writing Assistant Is Value for Money in 2023? [Survey] Is It Rude to Say Please and Thank You at the Same Time? A slightly more polite version of this phrase is "I'm not sure what you mean by . Here are some tips on asking for favors: Be direct but polite. Do roots of these polynomials approach the negative of the Euler-Mascheroni constant? How To Request Clarification Via Email Template. As a former Speech Language Pathologist, Lindsay applies her expertise in the neuroscience of communication and connection to help managers foster an environment of trust and respect in their teams, so that everyone can bring their best selves to work. Good Communication Makes You More Valuable. Youve explained the situation and asked for clarification so that you can solve a problem. Amid the four types of questions commonly asked, clarification questions are probably the most understandable and justifiable in any circumstance. writing effective letters Public World. Need help nailing down some details about a person, product, project, or appointment? How to Ask for Clarification Politely As a former Speech-Language Pathologist, Lindsay applies her expertise in the neuroscience of communication and connection to help managers foster an environment of trust and respect in their teams, so that everyone can bring their best selves to work. Practice the mechanics: Many of the mechanics youll encounter in a raid can also be found in other activities. "Thank you for getting back to me so quickly". Rule #4: Raise your (virtual) hand. If you've been asked to clarify some details, this clarification email reply sample provides a straightforward template to follow. Below is a helpful structure, and some phrases, to help you politely get what you want with your clarification emails. Refresh if you want to submit another email. However, it would be best to ask for clarification when you dont get someones statement or information. Would you say that again, please? & I am afraid I didnt quite catch that. Needing clarification is not a bad thing, and understanding How To Write An Email To A Manager (With Examples - Indeed The best questions are open-ended. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise. Now, here are 9 clarification email samples and a template to show you how to apply these insights. Say what the problem is first. You can end on a positive note by thanking the other person for their time and consideration of their clarification request. 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. 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. Then refer to a specific aspect: Could you please explain once again why A is so important for B?. Start with a greeting Most professional emails begin with a greeting or a salutation. The best way to ensure that you come across as polite is if you use Please and Thank You when speaking. Its also a great way to allow someone else to add more information they may have forgotten. "Mr.Lyman, could you come out here please? Have you asked for permission to use my laptop? I'm keen to make a decision this week, so can you provide me with answers by (date)? Always consider the setting: formal and informal. Have you just said you will go to Coxs Bazar next week? The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? If you "break something down," you separate it into its parts. Each intonation will convey very different messages. Well! Here are some useful expressions to ask someone to clarify their position or opinion. ?" Master 101 frequent business situations with our eBook! Email structure and phrases for clarification Can you go over this area again just so I understand the new changes you want implemented? I appreciate your detailed explanation, however, I am unclear about which approach we should follow. However, on many occasions, you may also need to use closed questions as well. Practice the mechanics: Many of the mechanics youll encounter in a raid can also be found in other activities. [3]. Would/Could you please say that again for me/us? I snickered, thinking that Janet had come around so soon. Either way, there is a high probability that youve been in a conversation where you need clarification. I wonder if you can say it in a different way for me/us. May I ask you to clarify your position on this? Some people struggle to write subject lines, but the easiest thing to do is be upfront about what you want. 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?" Sometimes, even though were confused, it is simply because we have not been informed of all of the information that is being presented. A salutation followed by the hiring manager's name is common. If you can't find it on our listing of the best email writing tools, you won't need it. Asked by Anonymous Mar 3, 2023. Read more about Martin here. Will you be a bit more specific about your experiences? Write emails & messages faster than ever with our AI writing assistant, Get the best resources for professional communication & productivity. Learn how to format emails and get your point across in a professional manner by checking out these 6 common email formats. Either. Could you please vs Would you please? Is it correct to use "the" before "materials used in making buildings are"? I am sorry, but I couldnt follow what you said. Messaging your boss or manager is slightly different from the formal format we use above. Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc.