Clarification · A fictional exercise
A short question can make the next step clearer.
You may understand every word in a request and still be unsure what the person wants. Practise asking about the missing detail rather than agreeing before you understand.
Written by the Wardwise project team · 27 October 2026. Original language practice awaiting independent clinical and educator review.
Start with an ordinary team task
A fictional colleague says: “Could you send that over later?”
You do not know which document they mean or what time they need it. There is no real document, patient information or clinical task in this exercise.
“Yes, of course” sounds cooperative, but it does not resolve either question. A more useful response identifies the missing detail.
Ask one specific question
- For meaning: “When you say ‘that’, which document do you mean?”
- For timing: “What time would you like it?”
- For a missed word: “Could you repeat the last part, please?”
- For your interpretation: “Just to check, do you mean the meeting agenda?”
The final example offers a possible interpretation as a question. It does not assume the interpretation is correct. Use it only when you have a reason to suggest that document.
Try a short exchange
Colleague: “Could you send that over later?”
You: “Of course. Which document do you mean?”
Colleague: “The meeting agenda.”
You: “What time would you like it?”
Colleague: “By three, please.”
You: “The meeting agenda by three. Thank you.”
Notice how the specific document and time become known only after the colleague supplies them. The first sentence does not need to be elaborate. You can be polite and direct at the same time.
Make it your own
- Choose one missing detail: the document or the time.
- Say one question aloud, or type it if you cannot speak where you are.
- Check that your question asks for the information you need.
- Try a shorter version that still feels natural and respectful to you.
Keep one useful phrase, such as “Just to check…” or “Which … do you mean?” Use it as a starting point rather than a rule for every conversation. Appropriate wording depends on the person, the task and the workplace.
Practise in a quieter setting
Wardwise supports short workplace English rehearsals, with guided text or recording, targeted retries and phrase recall. The app is not a validated assessment of speaking or clinical ability.
Get Wardwise free on Google Play