How to Ask for Clarification in English: Useful Phrases and Examples

Hello English learners! Have you ever been in a conversation and suddenly thought, What does that mean? or I’m not sure I heard that correctly? It happens to everyone. Even advanced learners sometimes need another person to repeat something, explain it more clearly, or give an example. That is why learning how to ask for clarification in English is so important.

It helps you keep a conversation going, avoid misunderstandings, sound more polite and natural and communicate with more confidence.

In this lesson, you will learn useful phrases for:

• asking someone to repeat something
• asking for clarification
• checking that you understood correctly
• clarifying your own meaning

Let us go step by step.

What does clarification mean?

Clarification means making something clearer or easier to understand.

So, when you ask for clarification, you are asking someone to explain their meaning more clearly. You may do this because:

• you did not hear what they said
• you did not understand their meaning
• you want more details
• you want to make sure you understood correctly

This is a very useful skill in everyday conversations, at work, in class, and in exams such as B2 First and C1 Advanced, especially in the speaking paper.

Why it is important to ask politely

When asking for clarification, it is usually better to be polite rather than too direct.

English speakers often use softer, more indirect language, especially in formal situations or when speaking to someone they do not know well.

That is why we often begin with phrases such as:

• I’m sorry, but…
• Excuse me, but…
• I’m afraid I…
• Would you mind…
• Could you…
• Would you mind saying that again?

These expressions make your English sound more natural and polite.

For example:

• Would you mind repeating that? I didn’t quite hear you.
• I’m sorry, but I don’t think I understand what you mean.
• I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch what you said.

Asking for repetition

Sometimes the problem is simple: you did not hear what the other person said. In that case, you need to ask for repetition, not explanation.

Short phrases for asking someone to repeat something

These are common in everyday spoken English:

Sorry?

• “We could go for an ice cream.”
• “Sorry?”
• “I said we could go for an ice cream.”

Pardon?

• “Have you read this book?”
• “Pardon?”
• “Have you read this book?”
• “No, I haven’t.”

I beg your pardon?

This is more formal and sometimes sounds quite strong, depending on tone.

• “I think you’ve forgotten your umbrella.”
• “I beg your pardon?”
• “I said you’ve forgotten your umbrella.”

Come again?

This is informal and more common in spoken English.

• “It’s raining outside.”
• “Come again?”
• “It’s raining.”

Excuse me?

This can be used when you did not hear properly, but tone matters.

• “We have to be at the meeting at eight.”
• “Excuse me?”
• “I said we must hurry because the meeting starts at eight.”

Longer and more polite phrases for repetition

These are very useful because they sound clearer and more natural than simply saying Sorry? every time.

• Sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.
• Could you repeat that, please?
• Would you mind saying that again?
• Excuse me, what did you say?
• Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.
• I’m sorry, I didn’t get that.
• Could you speak up, please?
• Sorry, I’m not following you.
• Wait a second — I didn’t hear you.
• I’m a bit lost. Could you say that again?

Examples:

• Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. Could you say it again?
• Would you mind repeating the last part, please?
• Could you speak up a little? I can’t hear you very well.

Asking for clarification

If you heard the words but did not understand the meaning, then you need to ask for clarification.

In other words, you want the speaker to explain their idea more clearly.

Useful phrases for asking for clarification

• I’m afraid I don’t quite understand.
• I’m not sure I understand what you mean.
• I don’t quite follow you.
• Could you clarify that, please?
• Could you explain what you mean?
• Can you elaborate on that?
• Could you be a bit more specific?
• Could you give me an example?
• What exactly do you mean?
• What are you suggesting, exactly?
• Could you explain that in another way?

Examples:

• I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “flexible working hours”. Could you explain?
• Could you clarify that, please?
• Can you give me an example of what you mean?
• I don’t quite follow you. Could you be more specific?

Checking that you understood correctly

Sometimes you think you understand, but you want to be sure. In that case, you can check your understanding.

This is a very useful communication skill because it shows you are listening carefully.

Useful phrases for checking understanding

• Let me see if I understand you correctly.
• Do you mean that…?
• So, what you’re saying is…?
• If I understand correctly, …
• Are you saying that…?
• So, basically, … ?

Examples:

• Let me see if I understand you correctly. You want us to finish this by Friday, right?
• So, what you’re saying is that the plan has changed?
• Do you mean that we should contact them directly?

This technique is especially useful in professional conversations and exam discussions.

Asking for examples

Sometimes the best way to understand something is through an example.

Useful phrases for asking for examples

• Can you give me an example?
• Could you give me an example of that?
• What do you mean exactly?
• Can you show me what you mean?
• Could you give a more practical example?

Examples:

• Could you give me an example of an informal email opening?
• I’m not sure what you mean. Can you give me an example?
• Could you show me what that looks like in practice?

Clarifying your own meaning

Of course, conversation works both ways. Sometimes you need to explain yourself more clearly.

When someone does not understand you, these phrases are very useful.

Useful phrases for giving clarification

• What I mean is…
• What I’m trying to say is…
• Let me explain.
• Let me put it another way.
• To put it differently, …
• In other words, …
• What I’m saying is that…
• Let me clarify that.
• Perhaps I didn’t explain that very well.

Examples:

• What I mean is that we should leave earlier, not cancel the trip.
• Let me put it another way: the course is useful, but it takes a lot of time.
• In other words, we need a simpler solution.
• Perhaps I didn’t explain that very well. Let me try again.

Formal and informal ways to ask for clarification

It is useful to know that some phrases are more formal, while others are better for everyday conversation.

More informal

• Sorry?
• Come again?
• What do you mean?
• I’m not following you.

More polite or formal

• Could you repeat that, please?
• Would you mind saying that again?
• I’m afraid I don’t quite understand.
• Could you clarify what you mean?
• Would you be a bit more specific, please?

A good rule is this: the more formal the situation, the more polite and indirect your language should be.

Common mistakes learners make

1. Being too direct

Saying only What? can sound rude in many situations.

Better:

• Sorry?
• Could you repeat that, please?

2. Using the wrong phrase

If you did not hear something, ask for repetition.

If you did hear it but did not understand it, ask for clarification.

For example:

• Could you repeat that? = I didn’t hear it.
• Could you explain what you mean? = I heard it, but I didn’t understand it.

3. Forgetting polite language

Small words like could, would, please, and phrases like I’m afraid or I’m sorry make a big difference.

Useful mini-dialogues

Here are a few short dialogues to show these phrases in context.

Dialogue 1: Asking for repetition

• A: The meeting has been moved to half past nine.
• B: Sorry, could you repeat that?
• A: Yes, the meeting has been moved to half past nine.

Dialogue 2: Asking for clarification

• A: We need a more flexible approach.
• B: I’m not sure I understand. What do you mean by “flexible”?
• A: I mean that we should be ready to change the plan if necessary.

Dialogue 3: Checking understanding

• A: We’ll send the report first, and then arrange the meeting.
• B: So, if I understand correctly, the report comes before the meeting?
• A: Exactly.

Dialogue 4: Giving clarification

• A: I’m not quite sure what you mean.
• B: What I mean is that we need more time to finish the project.

Quick summary

Here is a simple overview:

Use these when you did not hear something:

• Sorry?
• Pardon?
• Could you repeat that, please?
• Would you mind saying that again?

Use these when you did not understand something:

• I’m not sure I understand.
• Could you clarify that, please?
• Can you elaborate on that?
• Could you give me an example?

Use these when you want to check understanding:

• Do you mean that…?
• So, what you’re saying is…?
• If I understand correctly, …

Use these when you want to explain yourself:

• What I mean is…
• Let me explain.
• In other words, …
• Let me put it another way.

Practice

Choose the best phrase to complete each sentence.

1. “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. Could you __________?”
2. “I’m not sure I understand. Could you __________?”
3. “So, what you’re saying __________ we need to leave earlier?”
4. “What I __________ is that the lesson has been cancelled.”
5. “Could you give me __________ example?”

Answers:

1. repeat that, 2. clarify that, 3. is, 4. mean, 5. an

Final thoughts

Knowing how to ask for clarification in English is an essential communication skill. It helps you avoid confusion, sound more polite, and take part in conversations with greater confidence.

Do not worry about asking people to repeat or explain things. That is not a weakness — it is actually a sign that you are listening carefully and trying to communicate properly.

And that, as old-school teachers have always known, is half the battle.