Confirming and Identifying a Discrepancy
During the confirmation, one party states a detail (e.g., time or date) that differs from the other party's record, leading to clarification.
Dialogue7
Hi David, I'm just calling to confirm our appointment for the quarterly review.
Hi Sarah, thanks for calling! Yes, I have it down for next Tuesday, the 15th, at 10 AM, in Conference Room B. Is that what you have?
Actually, I have it for the 16th, Wednesday, at 10 AM. Are you sure about the 15th?
Hmm, let me just double-check my calendar here. One moment... You're right! My apologies, I seem to have mixed up the dates. It is indeed Wednesday, the 16th.
No problem! So, Wednesday, the 16th, at 10 AM, Conference Room B. Just to be absolutely clear.
That's exactly right. Thanks for catching that, Sarah. See you then!
You too, David. Bye!
Vocabulary6
- confirm
To confirm means to make sure that something is true or correct, often by checking details. Use it when verifying plans like appointments.
- appointment
An appointment is a planned meeting at a specific time. It's commonly used for business or doctor visits.
- double-check
To double-check means to look at something again to ensure it's accurate. It's a polite way to verify information without doubting.
- calendar
A calendar is a tool or app for recording dates, events, and schedules. People often check their calendar during confirmations.
- apologies
Apologies means saying sorry for a mistake. It's a polite expression used in professional conversations to show regret.
- mixed up
Mixed up means confused or jumbled, like getting dates wrong. Use it to explain a simple error in a casual way.
Key Sentences7
- 1
I'm just calling to confirm our appointment for the quarterly review.
This sentence is useful for starting a confirmation call. 'Just calling to' softens the request, making it polite. 'Quarterly review' is a business term for a regular meeting every three months.
- 2
Yes, I have it down for next Tuesday, the 15th, at 10 AM, in Conference Room B. Is that what you have?
This repeats details to confirm and asks for agreement. 'Have it down for' means 'recorded as.' It's practical for checking shared information; use it to avoid misunderstandings.
- 3
Actually, I have it for the 16th, Wednesday, at 10 AM. Are you sure about the 15th?
'Actually' introduces a correction politely. This sentence points out a discrepancy and seeks confirmation. It's useful when noticing a difference in records; the question softens potential conflict.
- 4
Hmm, let me just double-check my calendar here. One moment...
This shows you're verifying without admitting error yet. 'Hmm' expresses thought, and 'one moment' is a polite pause. Use it in conversations to buy time while checking facts.
- 5
You're right! My apologies, I seem to have mixed up the dates.
This admits a mistake gracefully. 'You're right' agrees positively, and 'seem to have' softens the admission. It's essential for professional apologies after finding an error.
- 6
No problem! So, Wednesday, the 16th, at 10 AM, Conference Room B. Just to be absolutely clear.
'No problem' accepts the apology casually. Repeating details with 'just to be absolutely clear' ensures understanding. Use this to finalize confirmations and prevent future mix-ups.
- 7
That's exactly right. Thanks for catching that, Sarah. See you then!
This confirms agreement and thanks the other person. 'Catching that' means noticing the error. 'See you then' is a friendly goodbye for scheduled meetings; it's informal yet professional.