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ask-questions-if-underspecified

Detect underspecified requests and ask clarifying questions before acting.

1|Updated Jan 29, 2026
Search Tags:#workflow#requirements#questions#pause#clarify#defaults#underspecification
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/harley/useful-skills --skill ask-questions-if-underspecified-harley
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ask-questions-if-underspecified
Source: https://github.com/harley/useful-skills/tree/main/ask-questions-if-underspecified
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/harley/useful-skills --skill ask-questions-if-underspecified-harley

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Clarify underspecified requests to avoid wrong work by prompting concise clarifying questions before any action.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Ask 1-5 must-have questions in the first pass when a request is underspecified, with options to select and defaults to guide the user toward a clear scope.
  • Pause before acting until must-have answers arrive, preventing premature implementation.
  • Provide a compact interpretation of user responses and a clear plan of next steps.

Quick Start

Ask the minimum set of must-have questions first and pause for answers before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions about ask-questions-if-underspecified

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I clarify underspecified requirements before starting software development?▼

To clarify underspecified requirements, prompt the user with a concise set of must-have questions regarding scope, constraints, and acceptance criteria before any development begins. Pause execution until essential answers are provided.

What is the best way to pause a workflow when a task scope is unclear?▼

The best way to pause a workflow for an unclear task scope is to trigger a guided clarification workflow that asks one to five essential questions first. The agent pauses action until the user replies.

How many clarifying questions should I ask when a request lacks constraints?▼

Ask a minimum set of one to five must-have questions in the first pass when a request lacks constraints. Provide default options to guide the user toward a clear scope without overwhelming them.

Does this clarification workflow apply to data tasks and research, or just software development?▼

This clarification workflow applies to data tasks, design, and research, not just software development. It identifies underspecified requests across various domains and pauses to gather essential scope and acceptance criteria.

What happens after I answer the clarifying questions for my project?▼

After answering the clarifying questions, the workflow provides a compact interpretation of your responses and outlines a clear plan of next steps to resume the paused implementation accurately.

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