Practice
Clarification questions: check meaning politely
Sign in to saveA colleague gives you an instruction, but one word is unclear. You do not need to guess. A short question can show that you are listening and help you get the information right.
Use a polite clarification question to check a word, instruction, number, or plan before you respond.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
Could you repeat the last part, please? /kʊd juː rɪˈpiːt ðə lɑːst pɑːt pliːz/
The short answer
Say what you need to check, then ask the speaker to explain, repeat, spell, or confirm it politely.
Could you explain what you mean by flexible hours?
Why it works: The question names the unclear phrase and asks for an explanation.
4 more examples
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Could you repeat the last part, please?
This is useful when you missed only part of a longer instruction.
Not this:Would you mind saying that a little
more slowly? What changes: Ask for a slower pace when you heard the speaker but could not follow the speed. -
Could you spell the street name for me?
Use spell when you need the exact letters for a name, address, or term.
Not this:Could you
write the street name downfor me? What changes: Ask for writing when seeing the whole detail will help you keep a record. -
Do you mean the report is due on Thursday?
This question checks one possible interpretation before you act on it.
Not this:So,
if I understand correctly, the report is due on Thursday. What changes: A statement with this phrase invites the speaker to confirm or correct your understanding. -
When you say local, do you mean within the city?
Repeat the important word and offer the meaning you want to check.
Not this:
What counts as localfor this service? What changes: Use this open question when you need the speaker to define a category.
Read the full guide
First, decide what is missing. If one word is new, ask about that word. If you missed a number or a name, ask the speaker to repeat or spell it. If you think you understand but want to be sure, use a confirmation question. A calm, specific question is usually more useful than saying only I do not understand.
Choose the detail you need to check
Before you ask, identify the missing detail. You may need the meaning of a phrase, the exact time, the spelling of a name, or confirmation of a plan. A specific question helps the other person give a useful answer.
Could you explain what you mean by flexible hours?
The question points to the exact phrase that needs an explanation.
Ask for the meaning of a word or idea
Use What do you mean by followed by the word or phrase. Could you explain is a slightly softer option, especially when you are speaking to a customer, teacher, or colleague. Ask for an example when an explanation alone may still feel abstract.
What do you mean by a trial period?
The speaker can explain the phrase or describe how it works.
Which question checks the meaning of a phrase: Could you explain what you mean by shared access? or Could you repeat the number?
Could you explain what you mean by shared access? asks about the meaning of the phrase.
Ask for repetition, a slower pace, or spelling
If you did not hear something, ask for a repeat. If the speaker's pace was difficult to follow, ask them to say it more slowly. For names, addresses, and unfamiliar terms, asking for spelling can prevent a small mistake from becoming a larger problem.
Would you mind repeating the reference number?
This asks for one missing detail instead of asking the speaker to repeat everything.
Could you spell the surname, please?
Spelling is the right request when the letters matter.
Confirm the meaning you think you heard
Sometimes you have an idea of what the speaker means, but you want to check before you make a decision. Start with Do you mean that or So, if I understand correctly. Then say your interpretation in a short sentence.
Do you mean that I should send the form today?
The question gives the speaker a clear chance to say yes or correct the plan.
So, if I understand correctly, the fee includes delivery.
This is a confirmation statement that invites a correction.
Keep the question polite and easy to answer
A polite clarification question does not need a long apology. Could you, Would you mind, please, and I am not sure I understood make the request respectful. In a busy conversation, ask one question at a time, listen to the reply, and then check the next detail if you need to.
I am not sure I understood. Could you confirm the start time?
The speaker knows exactly which detail to confirm.
Make this question more specific: Could you clarify?
Could you clarify whether the meeting is online or in person? gives the speaker one clear point to answer.
Before you go
Remember this
Ask a clarification question when you need meaning, a repeated detail, spelling, an example, or confirmation. Name the part you are checking and use a polite question form. This helps you respond accurately and keeps the conversation moving.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "Clarification questions: check meaning politely"
What is a clarification question?
A clarification question asks for information that is missing or uncertain. You can use one to check the meaning of a word, hear a detail again, ask for spelling, or confirm what another person intends.
Could you explain what you mean by flexible hours?
How can I ask someone to explain a word politely?
Say Could you explain what you mean by and then repeat the word or phrase. You can also ask for an example if you understand the words but need to know how the idea works in a real situation.
Could you give me an example of flexible hours?
What can I say when I did not hear part of a sentence?
Ask the speaker to repeat the part you missed. Could you repeat the last part, please? is polite and specific. If the pace was difficult, you can ask the person to say it a little more slowly.
Could you repeat the last part, please?
How do I check that I understood an instruction correctly?
Use Do you mean that followed by your understanding, or begin with So, if I understand correctly. Keep your version short so the other person can quickly confirm it or explain what needs changing.
Would you mind saying that a little more slowly?
Is Could you clarify? polite enough?
Could you clarify? is polite, but it can be vague. Add the detail you need, such as Could you clarify whether the appointment is in person? A specific question is easier for the other person to answer.
Could you spell the street name for me?