1.1.3 ASKING FOR AND GIVING CLARIFICATION
ASKING FOR AND GIVING CLARIFICATION
Manager: “Can you give me a quick summary of today’s meeting?”
Assistant: “Sure — it started late, went off topic, and ended in confusion.”
Manager: “I meant the official summary.”
Assistant: “Oh. That’ll take longer.”
1.Discussion
- Can you share an experience when you misunderstood someone speaking English? How did you realize the misunderstanding, and what did you do next?
- Have you ever been misunderstood by others when speaking English? What consequences did this have, and how did you handle the situation?
- How often do you find yourself needing to clarify or explain your ideas in conversations? What strategies do you use to make sure your message is understood clearly?
📖 2A. Phrase Bank: Clarifying Expressions
Here are some expressions to ask for and give clarification. Read through them, then try out the activities below.
| Asking for Clarification: | Giving Clarification: | ||
| 1 | Could you elaborate on that a bit more? | 1 | What I’m getting at is… |
| 2 | Would you mind clarifying what you meant by…? | 2 | Let me rephrase that to avoid confusion. |
| 3 | Just to be clear, are you saying that…? | 3 | To put it more precisely… |
| 4 | I didn’t quite catch that — could you rephrase it? | 4 | Let me break that down a bit. |
| 5 | Could you run that by me one more time? | 5 | Another way to look at this is… |
| 6 | Can I just double-check what you mean by…? | 6 | The point I’m trying to make is… |
| 7 | Are you implying that…? | 7 | What I meant was slightly different – let me clarify. |
| 8 | Could you specify what you mean in this context? | 8 | To be more exact, what I’m suggesting is… |
🗣️ 2B. Clarification Dialogue – Fill in the Gaps
🎲 2C. Clarification Dice
Instructions:
- One student shares a complex opinion on one of the topics in 2D.
- Another student rolls the die. Each number corresponds to one asking for clarification in 2A (1-8). They must then interrupt politely and use the expression to ask for clarification.
- The speaker rolls the die and gives clarification using the corresponding expression (1-8) from the giving clarification list in 2A.
📝 2D. Topics for Clarification Practice
- Remote work and productivity
- Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Work-life balance and burnout
- Green business strategies and sustainability
- Managing multigenerational teams
- Data privacy and consumer trust
- Innovation vs. risk management
- Transparency in corporate governance
- Digital transformation in traditional industries
- The effect of globalisation on local businesses
These modal and semi-modal verbs are used for polite requests, offers, and suggestions, but they also fit well into polite clarification contexts. They help soften questions or requests, making conversations smoother and more respectful.
| Modal Verb | Clarifying Use | Example |
| Could | Polite request to clarify or explain something | Could you explain that part again, please? |
| Would | Polite way to ask if something can be clarified | Would you mind clarifying what you meant by that? |
| Can | Informal request for clarification | Can you clarify the last point? |
| May | Formal request for permission to clarify or ask | May I ask for clarification on this issue? |
| Might | Tentative suggestion or question when clarifying | Might I ask what you mean by ‘ROI’? |
| Shall | Polite suggestion to check or clarify something | Shall I go over the details again? |
| Should | Polite advice or suggestion when clarifying | You should probably explain that part in more detail. |
| Semi-Modal | Clarifying Use | Example for Clarification |
| ought to | Suggesting that clarification would be the right or advisable action. | You ought to explain that part again to avoid confusion. |
| need to | Expresses necessity or urgency for clarification, often when precision is important. | I think we need to clarify what you meant by “unusual circumstances.” |
| have to | Used when clarification is required (e.g. due to policy, rules, or potential confusion). | We have to be clear on the deadlines—could you go over that again? |
| be supposed to | Used to check understanding of expectations, norms, or instructions. | This is supposed to be a summary—do you mean to include that much detail? |
| be able to | Used to politely ask someone to clarify or rephrase something. | Would you be able to rephrase that for me? |
3B. 🎭 Activity
Context: Two colleagues are working together on a last-minute report. One needs help understanding some parts and wants to ask polite questions to clarify the details professionally.
3C. Check the answers and then practise the conversation in pairs.
3D. Create your own short dialogues using at least 3 modal/semi-modal verbs from the list. Topics can include:
- Asking for clarification on a project detail
- Clarifying meeting plans or agendas
- Requesting clarification from a colleague about instructions or tasks
4A. Pronunciation Practice
Click on the + signs, then watch the videos to see how to pronounce the following words. Try saying them.
4B. Modal verbs in fast speech
Examples:
- Would you = /wʊdʒə/
- Could you = /kʊdʒə/
- Should I – /ʃʊdaɪ/
Click HERE to watch a video on the pronunciation of would you…? Try the activities.
4C. Say these sentences quickly and see if you can pronounce them correctly.
- Would you mind clarifying that point?
- Could you explain what you mean by this?
- Would you be able to repeat that, please?
- Could you help me understand this part better?
- Should I ask for more details?
- Should I go over the instructions again?
5A. What do you do?
Work in pairs. Discuss which action you take (a or b) in these situations.
1.If I don’t understand something when I’m having a call, I …
a. interrupt and ask for clarification.
b. remain quiet and wait for an email summary to arrive after the call.
2.When communicating complex information during calls, I …
a. regularly summarise the important information.
b. don’t summarise often. It’s better to keep moving and people can interrupt if they don’t understand.
3.If someone says they don’t understand me on a call, I …
a. repeat myself slowly and clearly.
b. ask them what they didn’t understand.
5B. What might be the advantages and disadvantages of your actions in each situation?
6A. Video
Before watching
Donna Johnson, Assistant Editor of Lifestyle magazine, wants to meet Susan Lam, a journalist, to discuss Susan’s feature article. Read the magazine’s editorial guidelines and an extract from Susan’s pitch. In your opinion, is the article likely to interest the target audience? Why / Why not?
6B. Read Donna’s follow-up email. What has she misunderstood about Susan’s proposed article? What should Susan do?
📧 Hi Susan,
Just to follow up on your pitch for a feature. I particularly liked what you said about finding out about how someone manages to live without plastic. Have you got a good source to interview yet? Remember we don’t pay our sources for content.
Can we meet tomorrow around 10 a.m. for a chat? Just want to discuss how things are developing.
6C. [2.3.1] Watch Assistant Editor Donna Johnson and journalist Susan Lam discuss the article. Watch HERE.
6D. How appropriate would their approach be in situations where you work or study? Were they both sufficiently polite in your view?
6E.
7A. Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing means expressing what somebody has said using different words.
7B. Paraphrase Relay
- In small groups: Student A makes a statement (e.g., “I think the best way to improve productivity is by allowing employees to work flexible hours.”).
- Student B paraphrases using an expression from Ex 6D.
“So, if I understood you correctly, you believe flexible schedules can boost productivity.” - Student C then paraphrases B’s paraphrase:
“In other words, working different hours might help people work better.” - Continue the loop around the group.
Paraphrasing expressions:
- What you’re saying is…
- Ok, so that means…
- In other words,…
- If I understood you correctly…
- Putting it differently…
7C. Paraphrasing Interviews
- Students work in pairs. One is the interviewer, the other the interviewee.
- The interviewer asks open-ended questions (about their job, a recent trip, a challenge they’ve faced, etc.).
- After each answer, the interviewer paraphrases using a target phrase:
“What you’re saying is that managing time was the biggest issue, right?” - Switch roles halfway through.
7D. Misunderstanding Game
- Prepare short, ambiguous or complex statements. Example:
“Sometimes I just need a break from everything, you know?” - Student A reads the sentence.
- Student B must clarify using one of the target expressions.
“Ok, so that means you’re feeling overwhelmed?” - Then Student A confirms or corrects them.
7E. Role-play Confusing Situations
- Role-play a misunderstanding:
An assistant schedules a meeting but the manager misunderstood the time due to a vague email. One person thinks it’s at 10 a.m., the other at 2 p.m.
A colleague receives an email saying, “Please handle this ASAP,” but it’s unclear what “this” refers to. They have to call back to clarify.
A lawyer asks for “the Smith file,” but the assistant sends the wrong Smith file (two clients with the same surname).
A manager says, “Get it to me early next week,” and the employee thinks that means Monday; the manager meant Wednesday.
- The listener must respond with a paraphrasing expression:
“Putting it differently, you want me to call the client before the end of the day, right?”
Reading
8A. Pre-Reading Discussion Questions
- Have you ever misunderstood someone at work? What happened?
- Why do you think asking questions is important during a conversation?
- What phrases do you use when you don’t understand something?
8B. Read the following article and try the exercises below it.
Clarifying: A Key Skill for Effective Communication
In both professional and everyday interactions, effective communication is essential. However, even when people speak the same language, misunderstandings frequently arise. These often occur when messages are vague, assumptions are made, or different interpretations go unchecked. The consequences can range from minor confusion to serious errors or conflict. One of the most effective ways to prevent this is through clarification.
What Does It Mean to Clarify?
To clarify means to ensure mutual understanding by seeking further information or rephrasing what has been said. This might involve asking for repetition, checking the meaning of a term, or confirming what the speaker intended. Clarifying is not simply about asking questions—it’s about making sure both sides are aligned and any potential ambiguity is resolved.
Why Is Clarifying Important?
- It prevents misunderstandings
Miscommunication is often the result of unclear or incomplete information. Clarifying helps confirm what was meant before acting on it. - It shows active engagement
Asking thoughtful follow-up questions or paraphrasing a message shows that you’re listening carefully and are invested in understanding the conversation correctly. - It improves collaboration
In the workplace, clarification ensures that team members fully grasp their roles, responsibilities, and timelines—reducing the risk of errors and delays. - It supports smoother communication in diverse environments
Whether someone is learning English or speaking quickly and informally, taking a moment to clarify promotes clarity and makes interactions more inclusive.
Useful Phrases for Clarifying
To clarify diplomatically, especially in a professional context, consider using expressions such as:
- “Just to make sure I’ve understood you…”
- “Could you clarify what you meant by…?”
- “Are you saying that…?”
- “So, what you’re suggesting is…?”
- “Would you mind going over that again briefly?”
Short Dialogue Example
Alex: Let’s meet next Friday to finalise the report.
Jordan: Just to clarify—do you mean this coming Friday or the one after?
Alex: I meant the one after—Friday the 28th.
Jordan: Perfect, thanks for confirming.
Final Thought
Clarifying is a small action with a big impact. It enhances understanding, prevents costly mistakes, and builds stronger professional relationships. In high-level communication, asking the right question at the right time can make all the difference.
8C. Comprehension Questions:
8D. Vocabulary Focus – Match the Terms
8E. Clarifying Expressions Role Play
In pairs, act out short work-related conversations where one person gives unclear information and the other must clarify it using polite expressions from the text. Choose from the situations on the right or invent your own.
Challenge: Use at least three clarifying phrases per role-play.
Situations to Role-Play:
A manager gives vague instructions about a deadline
A colleague mentions a meeting without a specific time or location
A team leader uses an unfamiliar acronym
A partner refers to “the usual pricing strategy” without explanation
8F. Clarification Ladder
Practice clarifying vague or ambiguous statements by asking polite, specific follow-up questions.
Instructions:
- In pairs or small groups, take turns being the speaker (who reads one of the vague statements below) and the listener (who must clarify).
- The listener must ask at least 2–3 clarifying questions using polite forms (semi-modals, modal verbs, indirect questions, etc.).
- Try to paraphrase what you’ve understood and check for confirmation.
“We’ll need that soon.”
“Just send it over when it’s ready.”
“Let’s keep it short this time.”
“They want something different.”
“He wasn’t happy with the result.”
“It’s better if we do it the usual way.”
“That’s not quite what I had in mind.”
“Let’s just go with what we’ve got.”
“You know what I mean.”
“We’ll deal with it later.”
8G. Critical Thinking Debate
Task: Discuss in small groups.
Prompt: “In high-level business communication, it’s better to take a risk and act quickly than stop to clarify everything.”
Students must:
- Take a position (agree/disagree)
- Discuss pros and cons
- Give real or imagined examples
- Use clarifying language during the discussion
9A.Vocabulary – Idioms related to clarifying
9B. Practice
9C. Discussion Questions
- Have you ever listened to someone and thought, “That was clear as mud”? What were they talking about?
- Why do people sometimes get the wrong end of the stick in conversations?
- Do you prefer it when someone spells things out or when they give short explanations? Why?
- What’s a topic someone might talk over your head about? How do you react when that happens?
- When you don’t understand something, do you usually ask the person to break it down for you? Why or why not?
- Have you ever struggled to get your ideas across in a meeting or presentation? What made it difficult, and how did you handle it?
- Do you think it’s important for managers or teachers to make things crystal clear when giving instructions? Why or why not?
- When someone uses a lot of technical language, do you feel comfortable asking them to put it in plain English? Why or why not?
10A. Role Play
Role-play the following situations where you must use modal verbs and clarification phrases
Example Scenarios:
- Booking a hotel over the phone
- Talking to a doctor
- Asking a colleague to explain an email
- Clarifying directions in a city
Example:
Maria: Hey James, I just read that email about the new client, but honestly, it was clear as mud.
James: Yeah, I thought it wasn’t very clear either. I had to read it three times!
Maria: If you understand it, could you please spell it out for me?