Alternatives to “that's too vague” at work

Say this instead

1. 01

   I'm not sure how to act on this yet. Could you give me one example of what you'd like to see?

   Coworker · Chat

   Chat works well when a teammate's request leaves you guessing, since asking for one example is a small, easy favor.

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2. 02

   Could you help me pin this down? I want to aim at the right outcome. What would a good result look like to you?

   Boss · Chat

   Asking about the end result suits a loose brief from a manager because it doesn't challenge the brief itself.

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3. 03

   Thanks for the feedback. To make the right changes, could you point to the parts you'd like different and tell me what you'd like instead?

   Client · Email

   Clients with general comments will find this easy to answer, and you get specifics without seeming defensive.

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4. 04

   Thanks for the update. Could you add the dates and who's involved? I need those details to give you useful feedback.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Name what's missing from a direct report's update and frame it as a request, so it reads as support rather than criticism.

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5. 05

   Thanks for getting in touch. Could you tell us what happened, when it happened, and your order number?

   Customer · SMS

   Support messages with no details get a clear list of exactly what you need, which keeps a text reply short.

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6. 06

   Thanks for your message. I don't have enough to decide yet. Could you share the team, location and pay range for the role?

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Recruiters who send thin outreach get a polite nudge to supply the facts you need before you reply properly.

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7. 07

   I read your proposal, but I can't tell yet what you need from my team. Could you spell out the next steps and who owns each one?

   Coworker · Email

   Written proposals suit this one because it names the missing pieces, and the reply can safely be forwarded to others.

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8. 08

   Got your note. Can you tell me which part you mean and by when? That will help me pick it up.

   Coworker · SMS

   Quick texts to a colleague work best with this, since it asks for the one key detail that's missing.

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Examples

What to avoid

• Calling the person vague or saying “you're always vague” makes it personal, so talk about the detail that's missing instead.
• Asking for clarification in a group channel can embarrass them, so send a private message first.
• Sarcasm such as “Could you be any less specific?” will only make people defensive.
• Asking only “what do you mean?” leaves them guessing, so say what you need, such as dates, an example or the goal.

Related phrases

• Saying “watch your tone” at work→
• A kinder way to say “that's disgusting”→
• How to say “that's a lie” professionally→
• Alternatives to “be more independent” at work→
• A kinder way to say “what do you mean?”→
• Alternatives to “I need leave for personal reasons” at work→