Workplace English guide
How to ask for clarification in English at work.
Clarification is not a request to repeat everything. A strong question shows what you understood, names the missing piece, and makes it easier for the other person to answer precisely.
Diagnose the kind of gap
- Meaning: a term or instruction is ambiguous.
- Scope: it is unclear what is included or excluded.
- Priority: several requests compete for the same time.
- Ownership: no one knows who makes the decision.
- Timing: “soon” or “later” is not actionable.
Use understand–gap–question
I understand that the customer needs a revised proposal this week. What I’m not clear on is whether the new pricing must be approved before we send it. Should I wait for Finance, or send the proposal with the current range?
Useful clarification phrases
- “When you say ‘launch,’ do you mean public availability or the beta?”
- “Just to confirm my understanding, the mobile scope is not part of Friday’s delivery. Is that right?”
- “Which of these two outcomes should take priority if we cannot complete both?”
- “What would a useful first version look like to you?”
Close the loop
After the answer, restate the action, owner, and date in one sentence. This catches a second misunderstanding before it becomes rework.