How To Express Asking For and Giving Clarification

How to express asking for clarification? Observe the following dialogue!

Dialogue

Riza looks sad. Vera comes closer to ask her.

Vera: What's up, Riza?

Riza: I've lost my mobile phone.

Vera: Really?

Riza: Yea, I've checked my bag. But it's none there.

Vera: Are you sure that you brought it?

Riza: Of course I am.

Vera: How if we tell our teacher.

Riza: No, I'm afraid. The school doesn't allow anybody to bring mobile phone, does it?

Vera: Owh.. So...

Riza: That's ok. It's my fault.

Vera said "Really?" and "Are you sure?" in the dialogue means that she wanted to ask for clarification what Riza said. On the other words, Vera didn't believe a little what Riza told.

If you want to express asking for clarification to somebody, you may use the following expression:

• Are you sure?
• Really?
• What?
• Are you positive?
• Is that right?

To give clarification you may say:

• Absolutely
• Sure
• Of course
• Definetely
• That's right
• Yes

Writer/Editor: Fadli Eha