Ask for clarification

In meetings, it is important to ask for clarification to make sure everyone has understood the same thing. Here are some phrases we use in English to clarify or correct information.

To give others a chance to ask for clarification you can say

Have I made that clear?
Is this clear for everyone?
Do you see what I’m getting at?
Do you understand what I meant?
Would anyone like more information on this?

To ask for clarification (when you don’t really understand)

I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you are getting at.
Could you explain to me how that is going to work?
I don’t see what you mean.
Could we have some more details, please?
I don’t quite follow you. What exactly do you mean?

Asking for Verification (when you want to confirm what you understood)

Do you mean that…?
Is it true that…?
I’d just like to repeat that.
So if I understood correctly, you…

Asking for Repetition

I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat that, please?
I missed that. Could you say it again, please?
Could you run that by me one more time?
Say that again?

Correcting Information

Sorry, that’s not quite right.
I’m afraid you don’t understand what I’m saying.
That’s not quite what I had in mind.
That’s not what I meant.
Sorry, I think there has been a misunderstanding.

Asking for Spelling

Would you mind spelling that for me, please?
Could you spell that for me please?