If anything is unclear
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use this to invite questions politely without making your audience feel unintelligent.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to invite questions during or after speaking.
- Shifts responsibility for clarity from the listener to the speaker.
- Common in presentations, emails, and giving complex instructions.
意味
This phrase is a polite way to ask if your listeners understood everything you said. It invites people to ask questions without making them feel embarrassed about being confused.
主な例文
3 / 6Giving directions to a friend
Take the second left after the bridge; if anything is unclear, just call me.
Take the second left after the bridge; if anything is unclear, just call me.
Explaining a recipe to a sibling
You need to fold the eggs in gently. If anything is unclear, I can show you.
You need to fold the eggs in gently. If anything is unclear, I can show you.
Leading a corporate meeting
That concludes the budget review. If anything is unclear, please speak up now.
That concludes the budget review. If anything is unclear, please speak up now.
文化的背景
This phrase reflects the Western cultural value of 'low-power distance' in professional settings, where the speaker takes responsibility for the clarity of the message rather than blaming the listener's comprehension. It became a staple of 'corporate speak' in the late 20th century to encourage collaborative environments.
The 'Polite Blame' Trick
By saying the information is 'unclear,' you take the blame for not explaining well. This makes people feel much safer asking questions.
Don't Overuse It
If you say this after every sentence, you might sound like you lack confidence in your own speaking skills. Use it once at the end of a section.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to invite questions during or after speaking.
- Shifts responsibility for clarity from the listener to the speaker.
- Common in presentations, emails, and giving complex instructions.
What It Means
This phrase is your best friend in communication. It acts like a gentle safety net for your listeners. You are checking if your message landed correctly. It is much kinder than asking Do you understand? That can sound a bit like a teacher scolding a child. Instead, this phrase puts the responsibility on the information itself. If the information is unclear, it is not the listener's fault. It is a polite way to open the floor for questions. Use it to show you care about being understood.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the end of a sentence. It often starts a conditional if clause. You follow it with an invitation to act. For example, If anything is unclear, please let me know. You can also use it in the middle of a long explanation. It gives your audience a chance to breathe. In writing, it works perfectly at the end of an email. It shows you are helpful and approachable. Just don't say it every five seconds or you'll sound like a broken record.
When To Use It
Use this during any kind of presentation or speech. It is perfect for business meetings when explaining a new project. Use it when giving complex directions to a friend. It works well when you are teaching someone a new skill. Even in a text message about dinner plans, it fits. It helps avoid messy misunderstandings later on. It’s the ultimate 'just in case' phrase for clear communication.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase if the topic is extremely simple. If you say The sun is hot; if anything is unclear, let me know, you will sound sarcastic. Do not use it during a heated argument. It might come across as patronizing or arrogant. Also, avoid it if you are in a huge rush. People might actually stop you to ask a very long question! Use it when you actually have time to explain things further.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, directness can sometimes feel a bit aggressive. We often use hedging to soften our language. This phrase is a classic example of that politeness. It assumes that the speaker might not have been perfect. By saying if anything is unclear, you are being humble. It creates a safe space for others to admit they are lost. It is a hallmark of professional and considerate English interaction.
Common Variations
You might hear If that doesn't make sense in casual chats. Does anyone have any questions? is the most direct version. Let me know if you need clarification is very formal. If you're confused, just shout is what a friend might say. My favorite is Stop me if I'm rambling. It adds a bit of humor to the situation while checking for understanding.
使い方のコツ
This phrase sits in the 'neutral to formal' range. It is highly versatile and safe for almost any situation where you are giving information. Avoid using it repeatedly in a single conversation to maintain a natural flow.
The 'Polite Blame' Trick
By saying the information is 'unclear,' you take the blame for not explaining well. This makes people feel much safer asking questions.
Don't Overuse It
If you say this after every sentence, you might sound like you lack confidence in your own speaking skills. Use it once at the end of a section.
The British Variation
In the UK, you might hear 'If that's a bit clear as mud,' which is a humorous way of saying something is actually very confusing!
例文
6Take the second left after the bridge; if anything is unclear, just call me.
Take the second left after the bridge; if anything is unclear, just call me.
Used to ensure the friend doesn't get lost with complex directions.
You need to fold the eggs in gently. If anything is unclear, I can show you.
You need to fold the eggs in gently. If anything is unclear, I can show you.
Offers a practical demonstration as a follow-up.
That concludes the budget review. If anything is unclear, please speak up now.
That concludes the budget review. If anything is unclear, please speak up now.
A formal invitation for professional feedback.
Meeting at 8 PM at the fountain. If anything is unclear, check the map I sent!
Meeting at 8 PM at the fountain. If anything is unclear, check the map I sent!
Short and efficient for digital communication.
So, the dragon only moves on Tuesdays. If anything is unclear, well, we're all doomed anyway.
So, the dragon only moves on Tuesdays. If anything is unclear, well, we're all doomed anyway.
Uses the phrase to highlight the absurdity of the game rules.
I've explained the next steps for the treatment. If anything is unclear, I'm here to talk.
I've explained the next steps for the treatment. If anything is unclear, I'm here to talk.
Provides emotional support and space for processing information.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete the professional invitation.
I have attached the project guidelines. If anything is ___, feel free to email me.
`Unclear` is the standard term used to describe information that is difficult to understand.
Complete the sentence to make it a polite request for questions.
___ anything is unclear, please let me know.
The phrase uses a conditional `if` because you are unsure if the listener has questions.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of 'If anything is unclear'
Used with friends for directions.
If that's confusing, let me know.
Standard use in most situations.
If anything is unclear, just ask.
Used in business emails or speeches.
If anything remains unclear, please contact our office.
Where to use 'If anything is unclear'
Giving a Speech
Closing a presentation.
Writing an Email
Ending a work message.
Teaching
Explaining a new concept.
Daily Life
Giving someone directions.
よくある質問
12 問It is a polite way of asking 'Do you have any questions?' or 'Did you understand what I just said?'
Yes, it is very professional. It shows you care about the quality of your communication.
You can, but anything is more common because it suggests even a small detail might be confusing.
Not in this context. It is a neutral, professional way to describe information that needs more explanation.
It is best used at the end of a specific point or at the very end of your entire talk.
You could say Does that make sense? or You get what I mean? with close friends.
Yes, using the contraction anything's is very common in spoken English and informal writing.
Absolutely. It’s great for making sure plans are understood, like Meet at 7. If anything's unclear, text me.
It might sound sarcastic or weirdly formal, so save it for things that actually have multiple steps or details.
Unclear sounds more professional and objective, while confusing can sound a bit more emotional or messy.
Yes, always pause for a few seconds to give people a chance to think and respond.
Yes, it is widely used in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia in both business and daily life.
関連フレーズ
Does that make sense?
A common, slightly more casual way to check for understanding.
Let me know if you have questions.
A direct and very common alternative for emails.
Any thoughts or questions?
A friendly way to open a discussion after speaking.
I hope that clarifies things.
Used after you have already given an extra explanation.
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