Seek clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Seek clarification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to ask for more information or to clear up any confusion regarding a topic or instruction. Example: "If you are unsure about the project requirements, please do not hesitate to seek clarification from your supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Repeated phone calls to the I.S.U. to seek clarification were not returned.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are making a good-faith attempt to seek clarification on the issue of commingling.

The New York Times

We will seek clarification and publish the outcome once we get it.

The Guardian

Mr. Bush's position concerned Lord Robertson, leading him to seek clarification from Bush aides.

The New York Times

Thomas said he was writing to the health secretary, Andrew Lansley, to seek clarification.

The Guardian

We will continue to seek clarification of the legal basis for the NLA's web licensing scheme".

The Guardian

It is on these initiatives that Ouseley, Crooks and their colleagues will seek clarification today.

The Guardian - Sport

Purdy began a campaign to seek clarification of the current law on assisted suicide.

Independent

A panel of judges may seek clarification or may rest, turning over the ethical question to an opposing team.

The New York Times

Prospects looked bleak this morning after Russia asked council members to return to consultations and seek clarification of Lebanon's complaints.

The New York Times

Mr. Huebner and Ms. O'Neill reiterated that their sole intention for filing the appeal was to seek clarification.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek clarification", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be clarified. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "seek clarification" in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "ask" or "find out" would be more appropriate. Using it when speaking with friends may make you sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek clarification" functions as a verb phrase where "seek" is the verb and "clarification" is the direct object. It indicates the action of trying to obtain a clearer understanding of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek clarification" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses the action of trying to obtain a clearer understanding. Ludwig AI validates this. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts, including news, science, and professional settings. While many alternatives exist, such as "request explanation" or "ask for details", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in what needs to be clarified and avoid overuse in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Get more clarity

Uses a noun form emphasizing the state of being clear.

Clarify doubts

Highlights clearing up uncertainties.

Request explanation

Focuses on the act of asking for an explanation rather than the broader concept of clarification.

Look for elucidation

Focuses on seeking a clear explanation.

Ask for details

Emphasizes the need for more specific information.

Inquire for understanding

Focuses on the act of inquiring with the purpose of gaining understanding.

Obtain further information

Highlights the acquisition of additional details.

Pursue further details

Suggests an active effort to find more information.

Solicit additional details

Indicates a formal request for more information.

Find out more

General request for more information.

FAQs

How can I use "seek clarification" in a sentence?

You can use "seek clarification" when you need more information or a clearer understanding of something. For example, "If you have any doubts, please "seek clarification" from your supervisor."

What's the difference between "seek clarification" and "ask for clarification"?

"Seek clarification" and "ask for clarification" are quite similar, but ""seek clarification"" often implies a more formal or proactive approach to understanding something, while "ask for clarification" is a more direct request.

Which is correct, "seek clarification" or "seeking clarification"?

Both "seek clarification" and "seeking clarification" can be correct, depending on the sentence structure. "Seek clarification" is often used as an infinitive phrase (e.g., "We need to "seek clarification""), while "seeking clarification" is used as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "They are "seeking clarification"").

What are some alternatives to "seek clarification"?

Alternatives to ""seek clarification"" include "request explanation", "ask for details", or "get more clarity" depending on the context.