Learn English with Lucas
How to Ask for Clarification in English
Learn polite and natural ways to ask for clarification, check understanding, and sound confident when something isn’t clear.
1) Why Clarification Matters
Even native speakers say “Sorry?” or “What do you mean?” every day. Asking for clarification shows confidence and respect — not weakness. It helps you avoid misunderstandings and makes conversations smoother.
2) Useful Phrases to Ask for Clarification
🗣 Simple
- Sorry?
- Pardon?
- Could you repeat that?
🙂 Polite
- Sorry, what do you mean by ___?
- Could you say that another way?
- I didn’t catch that — could you repeat it, please?
💼 Professional / Study
- Just to make sure I understand — you mean ___?
- So you’re saying ___, right?
- Let me check if I got that right…
3) Phrases to Give Clarification
- What I mean is…
- Let me say it another way.
- In other words…
- I’m trying to say that…
Example:
A: “Sorry, what do you mean by fluent?”
B: “What I mean is — you can speak easily without stopping.”
A: “Sorry, what do you mean by fluent?”
B: “What I mean is — you can speak easily without stopping.”
4) Quick Role Play
- Partner A: say one sentence → “I changed jobs last month.”
- Partner B: ask for clarification → “Oh, what do you mean by changed?”
- Switch roles and repeat with new topics (travel, hobbies, work, news).
5) Challenge for You
This week, ask for clarification at least twice in a real conversation.
Write what you said and what the person replied — share one example in the Online English Café.
6) Final Reminder
Good communication isn’t about perfect grammar — it’s about understanding each other clearly and politely.
When you ask for clarification, you sound confident, curious, and real.
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