What do you mean?
Have you ever been in a situation where someone says something to you and you're not quite sure what they mean? It can be frustrating and confusing, especially if you're trying to have a conversation with them. In English, we have a few different ways to ask someone to clarify what they mean.
Ways to ask for clarification
1. Could you please explain what you mean?
2. I'm not sure I understand. Could you elaborate?
3. Sorry, I'm a bit confused. Could you clarify?
4. I'm not quite following. Could you rephrase that?
By using these phrases, you can politely ask someone to explain themselves further without sounding rude or confrontational.
Why it's important to clarify
5. Avoid misunderstandings
When we don't clarify what someone means, we run the risk of misunderstanding them. This can lead to confusion, arguments, and hurt feelings. By asking for clarification, we can ensure that we're on the same page and avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.
6. Show interest
When we ask someone to clarify what they mean, we show that we're interested in what they have to say. It demonstrates that we're actively listening and trying to understand their perspective.
7. Build stronger relationships
By clarifying what someone means, we can build stronger relationships with them. It shows that we value their thoughts and opinions and that we're willing to take the time to understand them.
Conclusion
Asking someone to clarify what they mean is an important skill in any language. It helps us avoid misunderstandings, show interest, and build stronger relationships. By using the phrases listed above, we can ask for clarification in a polite and respectful way.