would you mind clarifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would you mind clarifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are politely asking someone to explain or provide more details about something that is unclear. Example: "I appreciate your input, but could you please elaborate on your point? Would you mind clarifying what you meant by that?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would you mind that?" "No.

The New Yorker

"Would you mind doing that?

The New Yorker

Would you mind?

The New York Times

"Would you mind making room?

The New Yorker

Would you mind having a seat in your apartment?

The New Yorker

"Would you mind just dropping your bag?" Slimane said.

The New Yorker

"Would you mind lending me a towel?" he asked.

The New Yorker

Crispin, would you mind stepping into my office?

Independent

Would you mind not!" "Sorry," he mutters.

The Guardian - Film

Would you mind getting up and going?

The New York Times - Arts

Would you mind — " I SAID NO PROMISES.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for clarification, be specific about what you don't understand. This helps the other person provide a more focused and helpful response.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase without indicating which part requires clarification. For example, instead of just saying "Would you mind clarifying?", specify "Would you mind clarifying the third point in your argument?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would you mind clarifying" functions as a polite request for further explanation. It seeks to elicit more detail or a clearer understanding of something previously stated or presented. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would you mind clarifying" is a grammatically correct and polite way to request further explanation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English and serves to ask someone to elaborate on a point that is unclear. While its frequency is currently missing in the provided examples, it's a valuable phrase to use in professional and neutral contexts to ensure clear communication. Remember to be specific in your request to get the most relevant clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could you clarify further

A slightly more direct version of the original query, removing "mind".

would you mind going into more detail

This alternative is very similar, but replaces "clarifying" with "going into more detail".

could you elaborate

This is a more direct way of asking for more detail.

can you explain further

Focuses on the explanation aspect, asking for a more detailed account.

could you provide more detail

Emphasizes the need for additional information.

would you be so kind as to explain

Adds a layer of politeness and formality.

can you give me more information

A more general request for additional information.

can you be more specific

Focuses on the level of detail, asking for more precision.

could you spell that out for me

Implies a need for a very clear and simple explanation.

could you run that by me again

Implies that the information was not understood the first time.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to elaborate?

Besides "would you mind clarifying", you can use phrases like "could you elaborate", "can you explain further", or "could you provide more detail" depending on the context.

Is "would you mind clarifying" too formal for casual conversation?

While "would you mind clarifying" is polite, it might be slightly formal for very casual settings. In informal conversations, consider using simpler phrases like "can you explain that" or "what do you mean".

What's the difference between "would you mind clarifying" and "could you clarify"?

"Would you mind clarifying" is generally considered more polite than "could you clarify". The former adds a layer of courtesy by phrasing the request as a question of whether the other person would object to providing clarification.

How do I use "would you mind clarifying" in an email?

In an email, you can use "would you mind clarifying" when you need more information or a better understanding of something the recipient has written. For example, "I'm reviewing your proposal, and I was hoping you "would you mind clarifying" the budget allocation for marketing."