ask for clarification

Meaning

To request a clearer explanation or more details about something you do not fully understand. This is a polite and essential academic skill used during lectures, seminars, or group work.

Examples

• If you don't understand the assignment instructions, you should ask for clarification.

  If you don't understand the assignment instructions, you should ask for clarification.

• I had to ask for clarification because the professor's explanation was a bit confusing.

  I had to ask for clarification because the professor's explanation was a bit confusing.

• Don't hesitate to ask for clarification during the Q&A session after the presentation.

  Don't hesitate to ask for clarification during the Q&A session after the presentation.

• She sent an email to the administrator to ask for clarification on the requirements.

  She sent an email to the administrator to ask for clarification on the requirements.

• In academic discussions, it is completely normal to ask for clarification when someone uses complex jargon.

  In academic discussions, it is completely normal to ask for clarification when someone uses complex jargon.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to ask clarification about the exam date.

  ✓ I want to ask for clarification about the exam date.

  The verb 'ask' requires the preposition 'for' when requesting something like help, permission, or clarification.

• ✗ He asked for clarify on the research guidelines.

  ✓ He asked for clarification on the research guidelines.

  'Clarify' is a verb. After 'ask for', you must use the noun form, 'clarification'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If any part of the syllabus is unclear, please ___.

  💡 To request a clearer explanation from your teacher.

  Show answer

  ask for clarification

• During the meeting, I had to ___ on the budget figures because they didn't add up.

  💡 To ask the speaker to explain something confusing.

  Show answer

  ask for clarification