Misunderstandings happen in everyday conversations. Instead of guessing, confident English speakers ask for clarification politely. This lesson helps you use natural expressions to ask someone to repeat, explain, or speak more clearly in real-life situations.
Pro Tip: Good communicators don’t pretend to understand everything. Asking for clarification politely shows confidence and helps you avoid mistakes.
Useful Expressions
- Sorry, could you say that again?
- Could you repeat that, please?
- I didn’t quite catch that.
- What do you mean by that?
- Could you explain that a little more?
- I’m not sure I understand.
- Can you speak a little slower, please?
- Did you mean…?
- So, you’re saying that…?
- Let me make sure I understood.
- Could you give me an example?
- Would you mind repeating that?
- I’m sorry, I missed the last part.
- Could you be a little more specific?
- Just to be clear…
Questions & Answers
1. What should I say if I didn’t hear someone?
You can say, “Sorry, could you repeat that?”
2. How can I ask someone to speak more slowly?
Say, “Could you speak a little slower, please?”
3. What if I don’t understand a word?
Ask, “What does that mean?”
4. How do I check if I understood correctly?
Say, “So, you’re saying that…?”
5. Is it polite to ask for clarification?
Yes. It helps avoid misunderstandings.
6. What can I say if I missed only one part?
“I’m sorry, I missed the last part.”
7. How do I ask for more details?
“Could you explain that a little more?”
8. Can I ask for an example?
Yes. Say, “Could you give me an example?”
9. What if the person speaks too fast?
Politely ask them to slow down.
10. Why is clarification important?
It helps you understand the conversation correctly.
Conversation
A: Did you finish the report before the meeting?
B: Sorry, could you repeat that?
A: Did you finish the report before the meeting?
B: Oh, yes. I finished it this morning.
A: Great. Can you send it to me?
B: I’m sorry, what do you mean?
A: I mean, could you email it to me?
B: Sure, I’ll send it in a minute.
A: Thanks!
B: You’re welcome.
Real-Life Conversation
Customer: Excuse me, I need some help.
Shop Assistant: Of course. How can I help you?
Customer: I’m looking for a wireless keyboard.
Shop Assistant: We have several models.
Customer: Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.
Shop Assistant: I said we have several models.
Customer: Oh, okay. Which one do you recommend?
Shop Assistant: It depends on how you use it.
Customer: Could you explain that a little more?
Shop Assistant: Sure. If you work every day, this model has a longer battery life.
Customer: I see.
Shop Assistant: If you travel often, this smaller one is easier to carry.
Customer: So, you’re saying the smaller one is better for travel?
Shop Assistant: Exactly.
Customer: Does it connect with Bluetooth?
Shop Assistant: Yes, it does.
Customer: Sorry, did you say Bluetooth?
Shop Assistant: Yes, Bluetooth.
Customer: Great. How long is the battery life?
Shop Assistant: Around six months with regular use.
Customer: Could you repeat that?
Shop Assistant: About six months.
Customer: Perfect. I’ll take this one.
Shop Assistant: Excellent choice.
Customer: Thank you for explaining everything.
Quick Practice
A. Change the Words
Replace the bold words with a different polite expression.
- Repeat that, please. → ______________________
- I don’t understand. → ______________________
- Can you explain? → ______________________
- Please speak slower. → ______________________
- I missed the last part. → ______________________
B. Answer the Questions
- What do you say when you don’t hear someone?
- How do you ask for more information politely?
- What expression can you use to check your understanding?
- What should you do instead of pretending to understand?
- Why is asking for clarification useful?
C. Complete the Sentences
- Sorry, could you __________ that again?
- I didn’t quite __________ that.
- Could you speak a little __________?
- What do you __________ by that?
- Just to be __________…
Speaking Challenge
Imagine you’re talking to a hotel receptionist. The receptionist explains the hotel rules very quickly, and you don’t understand everything.
Speak for 1–2 minutes using at least five clarification expressions from this lesson.
Try to include these situations:
- Ask the receptionist to repeat the information.
- Ask them to speak more slowly.
- Ask what one rule means.
- Confirm your understanding.
- Thank them politely before ending the conversation.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Repeat again. | Could you repeat that, please? |
| I not understand. | I don’t understand. |
| Speak slow. | Speak more slowly, please. |
| What you mean? | What do you mean? |
| Explain again. | Could you explain that again, please? |
Lesson Summary
Remember these useful expressions:
- Sorry, could you say that again?
- Could you repeat that, please?
- I didn’t quite catch that.
- What do you mean by that?
- Could you explain that a little more?
- Can you speak a little slower, please?
- So, you’re saying that…?
- Did you mean…?
- Just to be clear…
- Let me make sure I understood.
