Could you clarify that?
B2
Everyday Phrase
Formal
Common
Meaning
A polite request to explain something more clearly.
When to use it
Employees commonly say this to colleagues, managers or clients when an instruction, explanation or decision is unclear. It has a formal, polite tone and is common in workplace discussions. It can sound unnecessarily formal in relaxed conversations with close friends.
Example Sentence
Could you clarify that requirement?
Grammar & structure
Could + you + clarify + that? Here, 'that' refers to something the other person has just said. You can add a specific question after it.
✓ Correct
Could you clarify that? Is the report due today or tomorrow?
Before I update the contract, could you clarify that?
Could you clarify that for me, please? I'm not sure which figures to use.
✗ Incorrect
Could you clarify that me, please?
Could you clarify that for we?
This is a complete question. 'Could' makes the request polite, and 'that' points back to information already mentioned.
How to reply
Similar expressions
Could you explain what you mean?
Also polite, but slightly more conversational and focused on the speaker's intended meaning.
Could you be more specific?
Asks for precise details rather than a clearer explanation in general.
Would you mind explaining that again?
A polite request for another explanation, especially if you didn't follow the first one.
Common mistakes
✗ Could you clarify that me?
✓ Could you clarify that for me?
You can't put 'me' directly after 'that' here. Use 'for me' to identify the person who needs the explanation.
✗ Could you clarify that for we?
✓ Could you clarify that for us?
After the preposition 'for', use the object pronoun 'us', not the subject pronoun 'we'.
Dialogue
A manager and a colleague discuss a project deadline in a meeting room.
Priya
We need the proposal ready for review by Thursday.
Daniel
Could you clarify that? Do you need a final version or a draft?
Priya
Just a draft. We'll make the final changes after the review.
Daniel
Understood. Should I include the cost estimates?
Priya
Yes, please, even if they're only rough figures.
Daniel
Thanks. I'll send it over on Thursday morning.
Complete the conversation
1. A: Could you clarify that? Who needs to sign the form?
B: ___
2. A: Please send the revised figures, not the updated ones.
B: ___
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