clarifying question

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when asking someone a question in order to clarify a previously stated point. Example: "You said you would be finished by the end of the day - could you clarify that further? Is that the end of the business day or the end of the day in general?" Clarifying question.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is the clarifying question for me," she said.

The New York Times

It is a clarifying question, and we already know the answer.

Independent

Finally the student responds to the last clarifying question (rcl) and the teacher evaluates as K1.

Functional Linguistics

When someone responds that you could have done a better job of fine-tuning your job talk for the audience, ask a clarifying question.

Science Magazine

Let us say that one student is explaining how "water evaporates to become clouds (hand moves up, palm open)." This student's partner asks a clarifying question about evaporation and performs a similar gesture.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Do you understand the difference between a logistical question and a clarifying question?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Encourage students to ask clarifying questions when necessary.

The New York Times

Another White House spokesman said the meeting lasted one hour and 40 minutes, and the White House team asked only "clarifying questions".

The New York Times

Members of the audience – – as Ukrainian citizens – – should take notes on ideas they find interesting or controversial, and ask clarifying questions.

The New York Times

(I emailed the WSJ writer asking three simple, clarifying questions. No answer, but that's standard practice, as witheringly described by Philip Elmer-DeWitt at the end of this post).

The Guardian - Tech

The system also now asks more clarifying questions, using natural language, to ensure better service overall.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clarifying questions" to ensure mutual understanding in discussions and avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Don't ask general "clarifying questions" like 'Can you explain more?' Instead, ask specific questions like 'Can you provide an example of what you mean by X?' This makes it easier for the other person to provide a helpful answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarifying question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a type of question designed to remove ambiguity or improve understanding, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

24%

News & Media

40%

Science & Research

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clarifying question" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a question asked to ensure better understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and highlights its frequent use in News & Media and Science domains. While alternatives like "probing question" or "follow-up question" exist, "clarifying question" maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Remember to be specific when formulating a "clarifying question" to elicit the most useful response and facilitate effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow-up question

This term specifies that the question is asked directly after a previous statement or question to gain more insight.

question to elucidate

This alternative uses more formal language, indicating that the question is meant to make something clearer.

probing question

This alternative implies a deeper investigation into the subject matter, going beyond simple clarification.

seeking further explanation

Emphasizes the need for an expansion on the original explanation.

inquiry for clarity

This formal phrase highlights the purpose of the question: to achieve clarity.

seeking clarification

This phrase focuses on the act of requesting clarity, rather than the question itself.

probing for understanding

This implies a more in-depth search for comprehension.

request for details

This alternative emphasizes the need for more specific information.

eliciting more information

Focuses on drawing out additional information from the speaker.

drilling down

This is an idiomatic phrase meaning to investigate something more thoroughly.

FAQs

How do I use "clarifying question" in a sentence?

You can use "clarifying question" to describe a question asked to gain a better understanding of something. For example: "The teacher asked several "clarifying questions" to ensure the students understood the material."

What is the purpose of asking a "clarifying question"?

A "clarifying question" aims to eliminate ambiguity and ensure everyone has the same understanding. It can help uncover assumptions or missing information in a statement or explanation.

What can I say instead of "clarifying question"?

You can use alternatives like "probing question", "follow-up question", or "request for details" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to ask a "clarifying question"?

It's appropriate to ask a "clarifying question" any time you are unsure about something you've heard or read. It helps to avoid misinterpretations and ensures effective communication.