Please clarify vs could you please clarify

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey. 'Please clarify' is more direct and concise, suitable for informal situations, while 'Could you please clarify?' is more polite and formal, often used in professional or polite contexts.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 7362 views

Please clarify

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in informal situations.

This phrase is a direct and concise way to ask for clarification. It is suitable for informal conversations or when you want to be more direct.

Examples:

I don't understand, please clarify.
Please clarify your instructions for me.

Show examples from the web [+]

Can the Commission please clarify: 1.
Could the Commission please clarify its guidance on exemptions from the obligation to provide a universal service under Directive 97/67/EC OJ L 15, 21.1.1998, p.
Can the Commission please clarify its answer E-5831/06?
Thus, could the Commission please clarify the situation and in light of Commissioner Hubner's visit on 8 June update the aforesaid answer as appropriate?
Could the Commission please clarify its position on India's patent law?
If so, please clarify the types of works concerned and the aid intensity limits set.
In absence of any such legal instrument, please clarify how those activities are usually financed by the relevant authorities.
Would the Commission please clarify the status of grapefruit extract under the Biocides Directive?
Can the Commission please clarify the situation?
Can the Commission please clarify its position on financial rescue packages when addressing the current economic crisis?
Can the Council please clarify what measures it is taking to combat the very serious nature of these atrocities?
Further to the Commission's response to Written Question E-3394/04, will the Commission please clarify the meaning of Recital 12 of Directive 2003/33/EC OJ L 152, 20.6.2003, p.
Mr Turmes, could you please clarify this?
Will the Commission please clarify its intentions with regard to imposing a strict licensing system on businesses across the EU, thus creating a new class of 'authorised entrepreneurs'?
Can the Commission please clarify what action is being taken to prevent the continuation of this practice as a routine measure and to ensure that all Member States adhere to this directive?
Could the Council please clarify whether the right to religious freedom is ever brought up in high-level dialogues between the Pakistani authorities and the EU?
Would the Commission please clarify its stance on the confiscation of property in Romania by the previous Communist regime.
Could the Commission please clarify whether there is a standard practice in the European Union for musicians wishing to fly with musical instruments?
Could the Commission please clarify this process, including the steps and timetable for this possible revision of Directive 2006/54/EC?
Can the Commission please clarify whether EU citizens are entitled to a postal refund under the Distance Selling Directive should a consumer wish to cancel the contract of purchase within the agreed 30-day cancellation period?

Alternatives:

Could you clarify?
Can you clarify?
Would you clarify?
Can you explain?
Could you explain?

could you please clarify

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal or polite contexts.

This phrase is a polite and formal way to ask for clarification. It is often used in professional settings or when you want to be more polite.