Asking For Clarification

In order to avoid misunderstanding one has to ask for clarification to make sure one
understands the message in the right way. If one is asked for clarification one has to
give it and check for understanding. Here are some useful expressions you can use
in both situations:

Requesting Clarification:

Formal

• Excuse me. What was that again?

• Pardon me. Would you mind repeating that
• Pardon me. Could you repeat that please?
• I beg your pardon. Would you mind repeating that?
• I’m sorry. I didn’t get the last part.
• May I interrupt? Could you say that again please?

Informal (with friends)

• What? I didn’t catch that.

• What did you say? I didn’t get the last part.
• Huh? (impolite) You lost me.
• I didn’t get that. Can you make yourself clear?
• I am completely in the dark.

Asking for clarification for good understanding

• If I understand the terms correctly.............. Is that right?

• Could you elaborate on that?
• Do you mean......
• I was under the impression that.........
• Let me see if I have that right. .................. Is that so?
• Use Question Tags.
• I can’t understand.......
• I am not sure I got your point.
• Would you clarify that a little, please?