30 Other Ways to Say ‘Just to Clarify’ (With Examples)

When communicating, the words we choose hold a lot of power. Whether we’re sending an email at work or having a casual conversation with a friend, finding the right way to express ourselves can help convey warmth, care, and thoughtfulness.

Sometimes, a simple phrase like “just to clarify” may feel a bit too direct or formal, but there are plenty of alternative ways to ask for understanding or confirm something that make the message feel more personal.

Below, we’ve compiled 30 gentle, professional, and empathetic alternatives to “just to clarify,” each with real-world examples to help you express yourself with care and thoughtfulness.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Just to Clarify”?

Yes, “just to clarify” is often seen as professional, especially in business or formal contexts. It ensures that both parties are on the same page, preventing misunderstandings. However, in some scenarios, this phrase can sound a bit abrupt or overly formal. The alternatives in this article aim to provide more natural and warm ways to seek clarification, making your communication feel more approachable and personable.

Pros and Cons of Using “Just to Clarify”

Pros:

• Direct and to the point
• Ensures understanding
• Professional tone for business situations

Cons:

• Can sound abrupt or impersonal
• Overused in certain environments
• May come across as patronising if not used thoughtfully

Synonyms For  “Just to Clarify”:

1. Let me make sure I understand
2. Just to be sure
3. To clarify
4. What I’m hearing is
5. If I’m understanding you correctly
6. So, just to confirm
7. Am I correct in understanding
8. Just to make it clear
9. To make sure we’re on the same page
10. Let’s go over that again
11. Let me confirm
12. Just to double-check
13. To make sure there’s no confusion
14. Just to clear things up
15. Could you help me understand
16. Just to reiterate
17. Can you clarify for me
18. Just to confirm my understanding
19. So, just to recap
20. I just want to be clear
21. Just to confirm
22. Can I confirm that
23. I just want to make sure
24. I need to clarify
25. Could you elaborate on that?
26. I want to ensure I’m clear
27. I’m just double-checking
28. To avoid any misunderstandings
29. Let’s ensure we’re aligned
30. Can we review

1. “Let me make sure I understand”

Scenario: When you want to confirm something before moving forward.
Examples:

• “Let me make sure I understand — you’re saying the meeting is at 3 PM, right?”
• “Let me make sure I understand this correctly, the deadline is next Friday?”
• “Let me make sure I understand, you prefer the blue shirt over the red one?”

Tone: Friendly and attentive
Explanation: This phrase shows you’re actively listening and care about ensuring that you’ve grasped the other person’s point of view.

2. “Just to be sure”

Scenario: When you want to confirm something without sounding too formal.
Examples:

• “Just to be sure, are you attending the 9 AM session tomorrow?”
• “Just to be sure, you’re asking for the report by the end of the day?”
• “Just to be sure, this is the latest version of the document, right?”

Tone: Casual and reassuring
Explanation: This phrase adds a layer of reassurance and shows you’re double-checking for clarity, but without being overly stiff.

3. “To clarify”

Scenario: When you want to clear up any confusion in a neutral way.
Examples:

• “To clarify, the payment is due at the end of the month, correct?”
• “To clarify, you mean we need to submit the proposal by Friday?”
• “To clarify, you’d like me to email the presentation to everyone?”

Tone: Neutral and straightforward
Explanation: A more direct way of requesting clarification, without sounding overly blunt.

4. “What I’m hearing is”

Scenario: When you want to paraphrase and verify that you’re understanding correctly.
Examples:

• “What I’m hearing is that we need to reschedule the meeting, is that right?”
• “What I’m hearing is you’re concerned about the timeline for this project?”
• “What I’m hearing is the customer’s feedback was generally positive, but they want some adjustments?”

Tone: Empathetic and collaborative
Explanation: This approach gives the person a chance to correct or affirm your understanding, emphasizing your care in getting it right.

5. “If I’m understanding you correctly”

Scenario: When you want to make sure your interpretation aligns with what was said.
Examples:

• “If I’m understanding you correctly, we should meet at 2 PM instead of 1?”
• “If I’m understanding you correctly, the design needs to be updated by next week?”
• “If I’m understanding you correctly, you need additional resources for this project?”

Tone: Warm and considerate
Explanation: This phrase conveys your genuine desire to ensure everything is correct, without seeming condescending.

6. “So, just to confirm”

Scenario: When you’re looking to get affirmation for something.
Examples:

• “So, just to confirm, you’re coming to the event on Friday?”
• “So, just to confirm, we’re meeting at the usual place, right?”
• “So, just to confirm, the deadline has been extended to next week?”

Tone: Friendly and confident
Explanation: This provides a sense of certainty while still maintaining an open and non-demanding tone.

7. “Am I correct in understanding”

Scenario: When you need confirmation on your understanding of something.
Examples:

• “Am I correct in understanding that the meeting starts at 10 AM tomorrow?”
• “Am I correct in understanding that you want the presentation to include more details on the budget?”
• “Am I correct in understanding that you’re asking for a new version of the document?”

Tone: Inquisitive and considerate
Explanation: This phrase makes it clear you’re double-checking, but in a polite, non-intrusive manner.

8. “Just to make it clear”

Scenario: When you want to ensure there’s no misunderstanding.
Examples:

• “Just to make it clear, this is the final version of the report, right?”
• “Just to make it clear, the meeting time has been changed to 3 PM.”
• “Just to make it clear, you’re looking for feedback by Monday?”

Tone: Direct and polite
Explanation: This phrase is often used to emphasize clarity while avoiding any ambiguity in a discussion.

9. “To make sure we’re on the same page”

Scenario: When you want to confirm alignment with someone.
Examples:

• “To make sure we’re on the same page, you’ll handle the presentation, and I’ll manage the budget?”
• “To make sure we’re on the same page, we need to finish this report by Thursday?”
• “To make sure we’re on the same page, we’re meeting on Wednesday, right?”

Tone: Team-oriented and collaborative
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes mutual understanding and shared goals.

10. “Let’s go over that again”

Scenario: When a detail might have been missed and you want to go over it more carefully.
Examples:

• “Let’s go over that again to make sure I didn’t miss anything.”
• “Let’s go over that again; I want to make sure we’re both clear on the next steps.”
• “Let’s go over that again so I can better understand the timeline.”

Tone: Reassuring and thorough
Explanation: This approach indicates a thoughtful review of the information, demonstrating care and attention to detail.

Read More: 30 Other Ways to Say ‘I Look Forward To’ (With Examples)

11. “Let me confirm”

Scenario: When you want to quickly verify details.
Examples:

• “Let me confirm the meeting time — is it 3 PM tomorrow?”
• “Let me confirm, you need the document by Friday, correct?”
• “Let me confirm, you’re still available at noon for our call?”

Tone: Polite and efficient
Explanation: This phrase is succinct and professional, making it ideal for situations where you need quick confirmation without sounding too formal.

12. “Just to double-check”

Scenario: When you want to ensure accuracy without sounding redundant.
Examples:

• “Just to double-check, you’re attending the conference next week?”
• “Just to double-check, this is the correct address for the shipment?”
• “Just to double-check, the budget has already been approved, right?”

Tone: Friendly and diligent
Explanation: This phrase communicates that you’re being thorough, with a light and careful tone that avoids seeming overly critical.

13. “To make sure there’s no confusion”

Scenario: When you want to eliminate any possible misunderstanding.
Examples:

• “To make sure there’s no confusion, you’ll send me the finalized draft by Friday?”
• “To make sure there’s no confusion, we agreed on the 10 AM slot for tomorrow?”
• “To make sure there’s no confusion, this report is for the second quarter, correct?”

Tone: Reassuring and cautious
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the importance of clarity and removes any potential confusion, showing you’re taking care to be precise.

14. “Just to clear things up”

Scenario: When there’s a potential misunderstanding you want to resolve.
Examples:

• “Just to clear things up, we’re meeting on Thursday, not Friday, right?”
• “Just to clear things up, I wasn’t saying you’re at fault — I just wanted more details.”
• “Just to clear things up, the deadline for the project is next week, not this week?”

Tone: Polite and helpful
Explanation: This phrase shows you’re eager to prevent any confusion, offering clarity in a gentle, non-accusatory way.

15. “Could you help me understand”

Scenario: When you need clarification on something that’s unclear.
Examples:

• “Could you help me understand the reasoning behind this decision?”
• “Could you help me understand the timeline for this project?”
• “Could you help me understand what you meant by the last point?”

Tone: Humble and inquisitive
Explanation: This phrasing invites the other person to explain things in a way that fosters a collaborative, understanding tone.

16. “Just to reiterate”

Scenario: When you want to confirm something and make sure you haven’t missed any important details.
Examples:

• “Just to reiterate, you’ll have the report ready by the end of the day?”
• “Just to reiterate, we are meeting at the office tomorrow at 9 AM, right?”
• “Just to reiterate, your preference is the first option in the list, correct?”

Tone: Reassuring and clear
Explanation: This phrase allows you to restate important information, emphasizing clarity and avoiding any misinterpretation.

17. “Can you clarify for me”

Scenario: When you want the other person to explain something further for your understanding.
Examples:

• “Can you clarify for me whether this is due today or tomorrow?”
• “Can you clarify for me what the next steps are in the process?”
• “Can you clarify for me if this is the final draft of the document?”

Tone: Curious and respectful
Explanation: This request is polite and acknowledges the other person’s knowledge, allowing them to elaborate and ensure understanding.

18. “Just to confirm my understanding”

Scenario: When you want to validate your interpretation of a statement or instruction.
Examples:

• “Just to confirm my understanding, you’ll be sending the invitation, and I’ll handle the logistics?”
• “Just to confirm my understanding, you prefer the design with the darker shades?”
• “Just to confirm my understanding, you need the presentation by Friday afternoon?”

Tone: Polite and careful
Explanation: This phrase demonstrates that you’re double-checking what’s been said to avoid any confusion in the future.

19. “So, just to recap”

Scenario: When you want to summarize what was said to ensure clarity.
Examples:

• “So, just to recap, we’re meeting at 10 AM on Monday and you’ll send over the files by Friday?”
• “So, just to recap, the budget for the project is set at $10,000, correct?”
• “So, just to recap, we’re focusing on marketing for the first quarter?”

Tone: Informative and clear
Explanation: This phrasing allows you to review the details quickly and in a way that highlights your attentiveness to the conversation.

20. “I just want to be clear”

Scenario: When you want to ensure mutual understanding before proceeding.
Examples:

• “I just want to be clear, we’re on the same page about the timeline for this project, right?”
• “I just want to be clear, you prefer to communicate by email instead of phone?”
• “I just want to be clear, this is the last revision of the report, correct?”

Tone: Thoughtful and careful
Explanation: This phrase conveys your intention to avoid misunderstandings and clarifies details with sincerity and openness.

21. “Just to confirm”

Scenario: When you’re seeking assurance that details are correct.
Examples:

• “Just to confirm, the meeting will take place at 3 PM, correct?”
• “Just to confirm, you’ve received the email with the attachments?”
• “Just to confirm, we agreed on the project’s scope and budget?”

Tone: Professional and polite
Explanation: This phrase works in both casual and formal settings, and it’s a straightforward way to verify that all parties are aligned.

22. “Can I confirm that”

Scenario: When you’re looking for affirmation.
Examples:

• “Can I confirm that we have all the necessary resources for the project?”
• “Can I confirm that the meeting is scheduled for tomorrow?”
• “Can I confirm that you’ve already made the payment?”

Tone: Friendly and respectful
Explanation: This phrase seeks validation while conveying respect for the other person’s input.

23. “I just want to make sure”

Scenario: When you’re being extra careful about ensuring everything is correct.
Examples:

• “I just want to make sure the budget aligns with the estimates we discussed.”
• “I just want to make sure you’re aware of the updated meeting time.”
• “I just want to make sure we’re all clear on the project’s priorities.”

Tone: Empathetic and careful
Explanation: This phrase shows you’re taking extra steps to ensure that everything is understood fully, without rushing.

24. “I need to clarify”

Scenario: When you want to fix a misunderstanding right away.
Examples:

• “I need to clarify — we’re meeting at 10 AM, not 11 AM, right?”
• “I need to clarify something about the project timeline.”
• “I need to clarify — the payment is due next week, not today?”

Tone: Direct but polite
Explanation: This phrase is a more immediate way to address any potential confusion, but still keeps the tone considerate.

25. “Could you elaborate on that?”

Scenario: When you want the other person to explain something further.
Examples:

• “Could you elaborate on that point about the new budget?”
• “Could you elaborate on your concerns about the project timeline?”
• “Could you elaborate on your previous comments about the design?”

Tone: Inquisitive and respectful
Explanation: This is a thoughtful way to ask for more details, encouraging the other person to share more without feeling rushed.

26. “I want to ensure I’m clear”

Scenario: When you need to ensure your understanding is accurate.
Examples:

• “I want to ensure I’m clear on the timeline — it’s due by Friday, right?”
• “I want to ensure I’m clear on your preferences for the design?”
• “I want to ensure I’m clear about the next steps for the project?”

Tone: Clear and cautious
Explanation: This phrase reflects your intent to prevent any confusion by ensuring you’ve captured everything correctly.

27. “I’m just double-checking”

Scenario: When you want to verify information in a casual, non-pressuring way.
Examples:

• “I’m just double-checking, we’re still on for the 2 PM meeting, right?”
• “I’m just double-checking, you’ve got the details for the presentation, right?”
• “I’m just double-checking, we’re meeting at the usual location?”

Tone: Friendly and casual
Explanation: This phrase feels light and non-urgent, showing that you’re just being thorough in your verification.

28. “To avoid any misunderstandings”

Scenario: When you want to prevent confusion from happening.
Examples:

• “To avoid any misunderstandings, let’s confirm the meeting time as 3 PM.”
• “To avoid any misunderstandings, I’ll send you the updated document.”
• “To avoid any misunderstandings, we’re meeting at the conference room at 1 PM.”

Tone: Cautious and considerate
Explanation: This phrase demonstrates thoughtfulness, emphasizing your intent to clarify things upfront to avoid future issues.

29. “Let’s ensure we’re aligned”

Scenario: When you want to confirm everyone’s on the same page before continuing.
Examples:

• “Let’s ensure we’re aligned on the project’s scope and deadlines.”
• “Let’s ensure we’re aligned on the goals for this quarter.”
• “Let’s ensure we’re aligned before we proceed with the proposal.”

Tone: Collaborative and reassuring
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes teamwork, showing that you’re committed to working together for mutual understanding.

30. “Can we review”

Scenario: When you want to revisit information for further clarity.
Examples:

• “Can we review the meeting agenda once more?”
• “Can we review the proposal to ensure everything is covered?”
• “Can we review the plan to make sure we haven’t overlooked anything?”

Tone: Collaborative and thorough
Explanation: This phrase indicates a desire to go over details carefully, ensuring nothing is missed or misunderstood.

Conclusion

Communication is about more than just sharing information — it’s about making sure everyone feels heard and understood. The alternatives to “just to clarify” shared above are tools to help you achieve a more considerate, thoughtful, and empathetic way of connecting with others. By choosing the right words, you can foster better relationships, whether you’re clarifying details at work or simply making sure everyone is on the same page.