How to interrupt politely. Heres an example of just to make sure were on the same page being used professionally. Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? It gives you an easy way to state what you mean, directly letting everyone know you are sharing pertinent information. When someone expresses their opinion, you may not clearly understand what they mean or what their position about the matter is. I couldnt follow what you said about it. For your information, a pamphlet will be provided detailing the new workflow system. Learn how to write request emails that get results with our in-depth guide. Be polite, and use languages that focus the situation on you and not the other person. Now, its time to close the email out on a positive note. Start with an explanatory subject line Try to make the subject line of your email clear and self-explanatory. 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. I appreciate your detailed explanation, however, I am unclear about which approach we should follow. Doctor: You should take this medicine once a day. 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.. Useful English Phrases for Discussion and Debate. [2]. Would you please repeat the instructions for the team again? 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. 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 makes it easier for the recipient to go through them line-by-line and answer them. In formulating an answer, you may find they did provide enough details. Tips Start with Dear and the persons title and name. Q&A Answertion. 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. Youd like to ask for clarification, but youre not sure how in a polite way. Write emails for work the way you would a standard letter. Master 101 frequent business situations with our eBook! 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. To avoid that loop, start by explaining what you do understand and ask whether you have it right. The difference between these two phrases is only in how they are grammatically structured, with clarify being a verb and clarification being a noun. When it comes to the proper format for asking a clarification question or seeking clarification, the key is to use basic rules of etiquette. After the person clarifies themselves, you can let them know that you now understand and are thankful. Don't worry: Asking for clarification is easy. ?" Its an easy phrase used to help break the barrier of communication and make sure everyone has the same information. Not doing so and beginning to speak while the presenter is still speaking is seen as very rude in just about any formal setting. Thanks for clearly letting me know your opinion; I value whatever you suggest. Please repeat it for me to understand it clearly. Be clear about your current understanding. 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. Dont cross the line. Let me know if you need any further clarification or assistance. Manage meeting requests like a pro with our in-depth guide to writing the best meeting request emails. You must not behave and speak in a formal setting as you do in an informal one. It sometimes happens that interviewers may need extra information after your meeting. ), your name, and your signature. 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. Something went wrong while submitting the form. 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. Then what happens if three players make a sack together? "That sounds really good. Thanks for sending over your directions for implementing the new website copy. Writing a letter for clarification is easy if you follow our advice. Would you mind repeating the name of the place? 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. What do I do? Just be sure to fill in all the gaps, and proofread before sending. 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. This allows the presenter to complete his or her thought so that you are completely informed. Do not give orders or blackmail your colleagues. Asking somebody to explain something implies that you don't know anything about the topic and want the person to teach you. WebHow do you politely ask for something? Kind regards, (Your name) 3. Here are some useful expressions to ask someone to clarify their position or opinion. Here's a helpful thank you template for email clarification. "Thanks so much for your feedback on. Admit if you are unsure about what the speaker means. Informally You can simply say Sorry? or Come again? with a curious tone to ask someone for clarification. 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. It can be a sensitive area, particularly if your figures don't match, so concentrate on being polite and professional as we have done in the invoice clarification email sample. While we communicate with others, we exchange information and opinion. I appreciate your help. But would you please tell me what would be the best time to take it? Im not sure, but did you suggest updating the software? Here are some examples of subject lines to consider: Final report submission Clarification regarding project deadline Extension request for submitting the presentation Thank you for your support and guidance 3. However, Could is less polite, and Can is the least polite word among these three. Supercharge your communication with Flowrite. Sorry if I was unclear. Would/Could you please clarify it for me/us? Here are some expressions to ask for clarification when someone asks for your permission. . To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Can you assist me with this question by tomorrow afternoon? 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. I am available for a phone call or meeting if that would be helpful. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. About an argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality, A limit involving the quotient of two sums. 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. Using indicator constraint with two variables. I am sorry, but I couldnt follow what you said. 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. rev2023.3.3.43278. In other words, who, what, where, when, why, and how. How legitimate is the phrase "from which one to choose"? Type a command in the box below. WebRule #1: Start by asking for permission to chime in. Its highly likely you'll need to clarify details with a client at some stage. 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. 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. 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. 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. Whether you are in a formal or informal situation, politeness is the key to a good conversation. In your salutation, use the name that the person emailing you signed off with in their message, or whatever name they used when they introduced themselves if you've already met in person. Remember that no matter in which context you are, politeness is the key to a good conversation. Perhaps you find yourself asking for clarification a few times and it feels awkward when you still dont agree with the person. Both the past and present tense are acceptable. Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease. ESL Advice receives compensation from companies or individuals for recommending their products. Always keep in mind that the other person is not bound to clarify things again for you. A salutation followed by the hiring manager's name is common. How would you explain it to me?" The preferred synonym to just to clarify is just to make sure were on the same page. Which form is more polite and more acceptable for correspondence? Greet your reader. Most often, when it comes to being perceived as polite when seeking clarification, the concern is heightened by those asking for clarification. Asking somebody to clarify something Before you do, ask yourself why you think the authors did not provide enough details. Im glad that you specifically explained the issue. I beg pardon, but can you please repeat what you said about the new product launch? But can you repeat it so I can be sure about what you suggested? How to politely ask for clarification on a person's designation? 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. Can/Would/Could you be a bit/little more specific, please? Thus we need to ask them for further clarification without feeling awkward. 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? Its my bad that I dont quite understand you. WebTo ask for clarification politely, it is essential to use open-ended clarification questions stated in a neutral and inquisitive tone of voice. vegan) just to try it, does this inconvenience the caterers and staff? This phrase allows you to use simple words with no room for misinterpretation. Did you mean to send me? I admire that you clarified your position. Its my bad. Rule #3: Mind the timing and the relevancy. Not sure if this was meant for me. Youre a busy person, so here is a template you can use right away. ncdu: What's going on with this second size column? If you can't find it on our listing of the best email writing tools, you won't need it. Sorry, what was that? 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?. However, there can be miscommunication if information or opinion is not clearly expressed or understood. Review the information to see if you missed something. Can/Could/Would you give me an example, please? You can do this by saying "I don't understand" or "I'm not sure I In doing so, you will be perceived as non-accusatory and therefore, not threatening. I was just making sure you had received all of the current information regarding the upcoming project. Our goal is to create English lessons that are easy to understand for everyone. I am sorry, but I couldnt get your question. If thats the case, it's best to get straight into business. Moreover, it will imply that you think you already know what the answer is, even though you need clarification! Ask for repetition. Closed Question: So, you felt Bobs approach was too disruptive? Could/Would you explain it again, please? Why do many companies reject expired SSL certificates as bugs in bug bounties? Ask for specific examples. Thank you for providing the detailed information about [Topic X]. May I ask you to clarify your position on this? When someone makes any requeststo you to do something, you need to understand what precisely the person is asking from you. Can you please tell me again what document you requested? The second makes you sound more informed. You may not respond or help them accordingly if you dont understand. 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. 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. Interrupting to ask for clarification. I beg your pardon, but have you mentioned my name as a team member for the new project? A great way to ask for clarification is by using do I understand, allowing you to go over the information by showing youre paying attention and asking for clarity. I was pleased to receive your job offer earlier today. Would you please repeat it? Many of us have a gap in communication at work or with a business or provider, but writing a request for clarification can sometimes be a scary prospect. 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. Some people struggle to write subject lines, but the easiest thing to do is be upfront about what you want. If its a simple item, pick up the phone and call. Asking For Clarification ENGLISH FORUMS. Could you give me some more details about? There are a few simple steps to follow when youre looking for further explanation. 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. Check your tone of voice. However, if you dont understand someones question, you should ask for clarification and answer accordingly. 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. writing effective letters Public World. How can we prove that the supernatural or paranormal doesn't exist? 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. Indicate that this is a request to set up a meeting in the subject line by including words like discussion', 'meeting' or schedule'. "As per your request. You can also get another perspective by asking someone else to review the information. Make sure to add a sign-off (thanks, kind regards, etc. ?" Would it be possible for me to hear from you about this again? [1]. In most cases, you can save face by solving your own problem without asking a question to clarify. Theres an emergency you need to deal with." 2021 Collaborative Solutions | Lead your teams effectively without losing yourself. Did you say that you want to go there alone? In fact, guessing and getting it wrong is more likely to cause problems than politely asking for more info. Is that/this ok if I ask/request you to clarify it? 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. Lindsays approach has been profoundly influenced by her work with Indigenous organizations, her experience as a parent to two neurodivergent children, and the premature loss of both of her parents. Whoops! Before you do, ask yourself why you think the authors did not provide enough details. Well! 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. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. If you need any other information, please let me know. When someone asks you to re-explain a complicated task, your first inclination is probably to say, Wait, what? If I understood you correctly, you would like me to Could you please clarify what you meant by? Please let me know if I misunderstood. Therefore, How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. Today, we'll introduce 10 polite English expressions for requesting clarification. I didnt quite catch it. You can set things straight with this email clarifying the dates if that happens. Although these questions are more direct, as long as they relate to a topic that has been already mentioned, they are understandable points for clarification. WebHow to Ask for Clarification Politely 1. For example, a potential new employer may ask a candidate for clarification on details about a previous role. The modal verb Would is the most formal word with which you can form the politest expressions. Welcome to Grammarhow!We are on a mission to help you become better at English. It also allows for a wide range of expression as the tone it is said in can add more meaning to the phrase. To create a follow-up email, follow these steps: 1. I am sorry, but I couldnt follow your words.? 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. Whether you are in a formal or informal situation, politeness is the key to a good conversation. Provided is an example of how just making sure can be used professionally. Sample Letters for Request Bank To Clarify Service Charge. Bullet points are a great way to share information, Insert your questions/clarification request. You can edit and adapt these as required to get the necessary information. This FREE e-course will help you let go of your need to keep other people happy and step into your personal power. Your help will go a long way in helping to resolve [issue]. Give your reader a deadline. A good way is to summarize what you have understood and didnt. 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. The difference between just to clarify and just for clarification is fairly small. Learn how to format emails and get your point across in a professional manner by checking out these 6 common email formats. Sometimes we need clarification when we want to get a better handle on where others are coming from. 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. Both phrases can be used to ask for more information or to give more information when someone requests it of you. 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. 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. The meaning of both phrases is the same and used interchangeably. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. "Come in.Whats up?" Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Congratulations on getting a job offer! I am sorry, but did you say he is the companys CEO? Looking for an email writer generator, email helper, or email correction app? The clarification email format should be no surprise if you're already used to writing professional messages. Once someone clarifies something for you, you must appreciate their effort. There are all kinds of situations where you might need to ask clarifying questions. 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. I appreciate your time and your help in clarifying this question. What To Do Before You Write an Email For Clarification. Start with a greeting Most professional emails begin with a greeting or a salutation. Asking for clarification or something else is fast using artificial intelligence. Either. Let me see if I understand this; you want to create a proposal which would limit our available staff positions for hire? If we want to double-check, we can ask for clarification. As AI is developing and being used in different sectors, writers are also using them to avoid unexpected grammatical errors or typos. Join a clan or community group specifically for raid novices, or ask your team members for clarification. Doctor: Youre welcome. Sometimes you may not completely understand what Every day, we get engaged in conversations for different purposes. How to follow the signal when reading the schematic? Next, state your current understanding of the situation. 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. 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. Can you elaborate further on what the new training program will include? Suppose you just received a prescription from the doctor after the diagnosis. Have you asked for permission to use my laptop? 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.