Asking for Clarification

If you dont understand what someone is saying, or you are simply not sure of what was
being said, checking the understanding and asking for clarification is essential.

How to Ask for for Clarification in Casual Settings:

When youre with your friends, at the supermarket, or ordering a pizza, there are several
informal ways that you can ask for clarification.

1. Sorry?

The most common usage of the word sorry is to express regret or apology.
However, in conversation, you can also say Sorry? as a gentle way of asking
What?. Make sure to use a rising intonation at the end, like you are asking a
question otherwise, it will sound like youre apologizing!
2. What was that?

Okay, so this does use the word what but the extra two words make it much
softer.

3. What did you say?

Again, the extra words provide a softening effect. Importantly, English speakers tend
to combine their words when pronouncing this phrase. The first three words What
did you blend together, and thus the phrase ends up sounding like Wha-ju say?.

4. Come again?

This is a very casual way of asking somebody to repeat what theyve just said (hence
again).

How to Ask for Clarification in Formal Settings:

When youre in the office, on a conference call, or dealing with people in a formal
or professional setting, there are several polite ways to ask for clarification, as well.

1. Pardon?

This is effectively the same as saying Sorry?, but using a more formal register.
Again, make sure to use rising intonation at the end, so it sounds like a question.
Note: pardon can also be used as a synonym for excuse me when you need people
to move out of your way (e.g., in a crowded train).
2. I beg your pardon?

The meaning is the same, but the extra words add a bit more formality to the phrase.

3. Could you say that again, please?

Sometimes, being straightforward is the best strategy.

Including please at the end adds an element of politeness.

4. I didnt quite catch that. Could you please repeat?

Here, the verb catch is used not in a literal sense (e.g., catch a ball) but in a
figurative sense its synonymous with understand.

5. Could you give me an example?

If somebodys ideas simply arent coming across (being understood) to you, you can
ask him or her to provide an example.
Hearing a real-life example may help clarify tough or confusing concepts.

When youre learning English, it can be frustrating when you dont understand a native
speaker. But dont worry: its a very normal part of the learning process, and most native
speakers are very understanding.

Another example:

What do you mean by...?

Do you mean...?
Could you say that again, please?
Could you repeat please?
Could you clarify that, please?
Would you elaborate on that , please?
Could you be more explicit?
Could you explain what you mean by...?
Could you give us an example?
I wonder if you could say that in a different way.
Could you put it differently, please?
 Could you be more specific, please?

Mini games : Clarifications of everything

Make a group from 2-4 students. Make a topic which it will be clarify, It is free topic like
a simple conversation. 2 students will asking what they are not understand by the other 2
students and they will clarify until they know.

Summary:

For asking a clarification, it can be started with Excuse me or Sorry?.

This expression can be use to ask someone to repeat what they already said because
we can not hear or understand what they said.