If you need clarification
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use this phrase to ensure your audience understands you without sounding patronizing or rude.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to invite questions after an explanation.
- Softens the tone so you don't sound bossy.
- Commonly used in emails, presentations, and professional meetings.
意味
This phrase is a polite way to ask if someone understands you. It invites them to ask questions if your explanation was a bit fuzzy or complex.
主な例文
3 / 6Ending a professional email
If you need clarification on the new project deadlines, let me know.
If you need clarification on the new project deadlines, let me know.
Explaining a board game to friends
That is how the scoring works, but if you need clarification, just ask!
That is how the scoring works, but if you need clarification, just ask!
Giving a presentation
I will pause here if you need clarification on these statistics.
I will pause here if you need clarification on these statistics.
文化的背景
In many English-speaking professional environments, there is a strong emphasis on 'clear communication' as a leadership trait. This phrase is a tool for 'active listening' and ensures that the speaker doesn't appear condescending. It shifted from strictly legal or academic use into everyday office jargon over the last few decades.
The 'Me' approach
Try saying 'If I need to clarify anything' instead. It makes it sound like the confusion is your fault, which is even more polite!
Don't overdo it
If you say this after every single sentence, you will sound like a robot or a very nervous person.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to invite questions after an explanation.
- Softens the tone so you don't sound bossy.
- Commonly used in emails, presentations, and professional meetings.
What It Means
This phrase is a communication safety net. You are basically saying, "I might not have explained that perfectly." It is a kind way to offer more help. It keeps the conversation open and friendly. Instead of asking "Do you understand?" which can sound rude, you use this. It puts the responsibility on the speaker, not the listener. It is about being helpful and clear.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the end of a thought. It works perfectly in emails or at the end of a presentation. You can also use it after giving long directions. It sounds very professional but still feels warm. Just pair it with an action like "please ask" or "let me know." It shows you are a patient communicator.
When To Use It
Use it in a business meeting after sharing a new plan. It is great for emails when sending instructions. Use it with friends if you are explaining a complicated game. It is perfect for any situation where details might get confusing. Use it when you want to sound like an expert who cares. It is a staple of good public speaking.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very simple things. Asking it after saying "Pass the salt" sounds weird. It is too formal for a quick text to your mom. Avoid it if you are in a rush and cannot answer questions. It sounds robotic if you say it every five minutes. Do not use it if you are actually being sarcastic.
Cultural Background
English business culture loves "soft" language. We prefer to avoid being too blunt or direct. This phrase helps avoid making the listener feel slow or confused. It is a sign of high emotional intelligence in the workplace. It shows you value the other person's time and understanding. It has become a standard professional courtesy worldwide.
Common Variations
You might hear Let me know if that makes sense. Another common one is If you have any questions. Some people say To clarify before they repeat themselves. In casual settings, you might just say Get it? or All good?. If anything is unclear is another formal cousin of this phrase.
使い方のコツ
This phrase is most effective when followed by a call to action like 'please let me know' or 'don't hesitate to ask.' It is a hallmark of polite, professional English.
The 'Me' approach
Try saying 'If I need to clarify anything' instead. It makes it sound like the confusion is your fault, which is even more polite!
Don't overdo it
If you say this after every single sentence, you will sound like a robot or a very nervous person.
The British Variation
In the UK, people often use 'If that's clear?' with a rising intonation, which serves the same purpose but feels slightly more conversational.
例文
6If you need clarification on the new project deadlines, let me know.
If you need clarification on the new project deadlines, let me know.
This is a standard, polite way to close a business email.
That is how the scoring works, but if you need clarification, just ask!
That is how the scoring works, but if you need clarification, just ask!
Using it here makes you sound like a very patient friend.
I will pause here if you need clarification on these statistics.
I will pause here if you need clarification on these statistics.
This gives the audience a specific moment to speak up.
Check the shared doc. If you need clarification, I am free at 3.
Check the shared doc. If you need clarification, I am free at 3.
Short and efficient for a work-related text message.
I have explained why the trash needs to go out twice. If you need clarification, I can draw a map.
I have explained why the trash needs to go out twice. If you need clarification, I can draw a map.
The formal phrase makes the sarcasm feel even funnier.
This is a lot of information; please tell me if you need clarification.
This is a lot of information; please tell me if you need clarification.
Shows empathy and patience during a stressful time.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete this professional sentence.
Please reach out to the HR department if you need ___ regarding the new policy.
We need the noun form 'clarification' after the verb 'need'.
Complete the phrase used in a presentation.
I've covered the main points, but ___ you need clarification, I'm happy to repeat them.
The phrase starts with 'if' because it is a conditional offer of help.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Spectrum of Checking Understanding
Used with close friends or family.
Get it?
Good for general daily interactions.
Does that make sense?
Standard for business and presentations.
If you need clarification...
Used in legal or academic writing.
Should the recipient require further clarification...
Where to use 'If you need clarification'
Business Email
Closing a message about a contract.
Public Speaking
After a complex slide in a presentation.
Teaching
After explaining a difficult grammar rule.
Customer Service
Explaining a refund policy to a client.
よくある質問
11 問Yes, it is very common in professional and academic English. You will see it in almost every business environment.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must use the noun clarification after the verb need.
It can be, but it is often used playfully or when explaining something truly complex like game rules. For simple things, use Does that make sense? instead.
Questions is broader, while clarification specifically means making something clear that was previously confusing.
If you understand, say Everything is clear, thank you! If you are confused, say Actually, could you explain the part about....
Yes, especially if you are texting about work or plans. It keeps the tone helpful and organized.
Usually, no. Do you understand? can sound like a teacher scolding a child. If you need clarification is much more professional.
It comes from the Latin word 'clarus,' which means clear. It literally means 'the act of making clear.'
Absolutely! If you give a long answer, you can say If you need any clarification on that experience, I'd be happy to expand.
It is used in both! It is a universal professional term across the English-speaking world.
In a neutral setting, you can just say Any questions? or Is that clear?.
関連フレーズ
Does that make sense?
A neutral way to check if someone followed your logic.
To put it another way
Used when you are about to provide clarification yourself.
Let me rephrase that
Used when you realize your first explanation was confusing.
Are we on the same page?
An idiom used to check if everyone agrees or understands the current status.
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