Exercises B2 : Clarifying a misunderstanding in English (answers)

These exercises are based on the course ‘Clarifying a misunderstanding in English’. Practice the key phrases and strategies you’ve learned to correct confusion politely and keep conversations on track.

→ See the course : Clarifying a misunderstanding in English : complete course

Exercice 1 — Choose the Right Clarification

Read each situation and choose the most appropriate phrase to clarify the misunderstanding.

Correction

1. A) Actually, what I said was that the meeting is on Thursday, not Friday.
2. B) I think there may have been a misunderstanding — I didn't mean to cancel it, I meant to delay it.
3. B) I wasn't angry at all — I think I may have given the wrong impression because I was just tired.
4. A) That's not what happened — what I actually did was ask the client to wait for just a moment.

Exercice 2 — Complete the Clarification Dialogue

Fill in the blank in each dialogue with a complete sentence that correctly clarifies the misunderstanding, using the phrases from the course.

1. A: 'So you're saying you want to quit your job?' B: '___'
2. A: 'You told everyone the event was free, didn't you?' B: '___'
3. A: 'I heard you think my idea is terrible.' B: '___'
4. A: 'So your team won't be ready by Monday?' B: '___'

Correction

1. No, I think there's been a misunderstanding — what I meant was that I want to change departments, not quit my job.
2. Actually, I'm afraid that's not quite right — what I said was that the first session is free, but the others have a fee.
3. I think there may have been a misunderstanding — I never said your idea was terrible, I simply suggested a few adjustments.
4. Sorry, let me clarify — what I meant was that we might need until Tuesday, not that we wouldn't be ready at all.

Exercice 3 — Reformulate to Clarify Politely

Each sentence below states a misunderstanding bluntly. Reformulate it using polite clarification language from the course, keeping the meaning intact.

1. Blunt version: 'You got it wrong. I said Monday, not Tuesday.'
2. Blunt version: 'That's not what I meant. I was talking about the budget, not the deadline.'
3. Blunt version: 'You misunderstood me. I never said I agreed with the plan.'
4. Blunt version: 'Wrong. I told you to send it to the client, not to delete it.'

Correction

1. I think there may have been a slight misunderstanding — what I actually said was Monday, not Tuesday.
2. Sorry, let me clarify — I was referring to the budget, not the deadline, so I think my point may not have come across clearly.
3. I'm afraid there may have been a misunderstanding — I don't think I ever said I agreed with the plan, I simply said I would consider it.
4. Actually, I think my instructions may not have been clear enough — what I meant was that you should send the document to the client, not delete it.