Writing · Free lesson
Code review English: ask why a change is needed
A review comment says, “Move this check into a helper.” You understand the requested action but not its purpose. “Why would you do that?” may sound more confrontational than you intend.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Try “Could you explain why this check should move into a helper?” Name the change and ask for its reason. You are requesting understanding, not claiming the reviewer is wrong.
Ask about the change, not the person.
You can acknowledge the request, then ask what it improves. “I see the suggested move. Could you explain the benefit?” does not claim you already agree or completed it. After could you explain why, use statement order: why this check should move, not why should this check move.
Compare the examples
I see the suggestion to move this check into a helper.
Could you explain why this check should move into a helper?
What would this change improve?
A direct why question is not automatically rude. Tone and context matter. This pattern is a clear option when you want to reduce ambiguity.
Build the meaning step by step
Identify the request
move this check into a helper
Request the rationale
Could you explain why this change is needed?
Try it now
Choose a focused clarification
Read all answers and explanations
You understand the change but not the reason. Which reply asks for that reason?
Could you explain the benefit of moving this check?Benefit asks what the change improves; the other replies do not request the rationale.
Complete: “Could you explain ___?”
why this check should moveThe embedded question uses statement order: this check should move.
Which reply keeps the focus on the code instead of the reviewer’s competence?
What problem would this change solve?It asks about the effect of the change, not the person.
Put it into practice
Rewrite the review reply
The reviewer requested moving a check into a helper. Ask for the reason before deciding how to proceed.
Why would you want that? It makes no sense.
See a model answer
Could you explain why this check should move into a helper?
A clarification can be both precise and courteous.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Does acknowledging a request mean agreeing with it?
No. “I see the suggestion” acknowledges it. You can then ask for evidence or reasoning before agreeing on the change.
I see the suggestion. Could you explain the benefit?
Should a clarification request accuse the reviewer of being wrong?
No. Ask about the reasoning or tradeoff you need to understand. You can examine a suggestion without making a personal judgment about the reviewer.
Could you explain why this change would improve readability?
Take it into your day
Name the change, then ask what it improves.
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