Saturday, 16/8/2025 | 13:16 GMT+7

Three ways to ask for clarification when you don't understand an American

Many people often say "I'm sorry..." or "pardon me" when they don't understand what someone is saying, but this approach isn't always effective.

Quang Nguyen

While "I'm sorry" and "pardon me" are polite, they can be ambiguous. Instead, try these three more effective methods for asking for clarification:

1. Ask for repetition: "Could you please repeat that?" is a simple and direct way to ask someone to say something again. You can also say, "I didn't quite catch that." This approach is particularly useful in noisy environments or when the speaker is talking quickly.

2. Request rephrasing: If you don't understand the vocabulary or phrasing used, ask the speaker to rephrase. For example, "Could you say that in a different way?" or "I'm not familiar with that term, could you explain it?" This method encourages the speaker to use simpler language or provide more context.

3. Confirm your understanding: After someone clarifies, confirm your understanding to avoid further confusion. You might say, "So, if I understand correctly, you're saying..." followed by a summary of what you heard. This gives the speaker an opportunity to correct any misunderstandings.

By using these strategies, you can more effectively communicate with Americans and avoid miscommunications.

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/ba-cach-hoi-lai-khi-khong-hieu-nguoi-my-noi-gi-4927659.html

Tags: learning English English communication teacher Quang Nguyen

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