Speaking · Free lesson
Ask how to spell a name, then confirm it
You are making a visitor badge. The visitor says their last name, but you are not sure which letters to write.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Ask “How do you spell your last name?” or “Could you spell that for me?” Then repeat the letters: “R-E-E-D, right?” A spelling question asks for letters, not the meaning of the name.
Ask for letters, then check the exact sequence.
How do you spell…? is a direct question with do before you. Could you spell that for me? is a polite request. After the person spells the name, repeat it and let them confirm or correct it. Do not guess a name’s spelling from its sound alone.
A short spelling exchange
Could you spell your last name for me?
R-E-E-D.
R-E-E-D, right?
Last name means family name here. “What does your name mean?” asks a different question.
Ask, repeat, check
Request the letters
How do you spell your last name?
Read them back
R-E-E-D, right?
Try it now
Choose the right question or check
Read all answers and explanations
You need the letters of a last name. What do you ask?
How do you spell your last name?Spell asks for letters. Meaning and origin questions will not necessarily give the spelling.
Choose the direct question with correct word order.
How do you spell that?Use How + do + you + spell. You takes do, not does.
The visitor spells “R-E-E-D.” Choose the accurate confirmation.
R-E-E-D, right?Keep both E letters in the stated order. The other options change a letter or its position.
Put it into practice
Check the visitor’s badge
You are unsure of the spelling. Ask for the letters, then confirm them accurately.
- Visitor
My last name is Reed.
See a model answer
- Visitor
My last name is Reed.
- You
Could you spell that for me?
- Visitor
Of course. R-E-E-D.
- You
R-E-E-D, right?
A specific request and a read-back check reduce guessing. You can ask again when a letter is unclear.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can I ask for the spelling again?
Yes. Ask politely and be specific about what you need repeated.
Could you repeat the last two letters, please?
What if I still cannot get the letters?
You can ask the person to write the name. This checks spelling through a different channel.
Could you write your name here, please?
Take it into your day
Use spell to ask for letters, then repeat the exact spelling.
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