a request for elaboration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a request for elaboration" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to provide more details or clarification on a particular topic or statement. Example: "In our meeting, I made a request for elaboration on the project timeline to better understand the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A spokesman for Mr. Perry did not respond to a request for elaboration.

The New York Times

In an e-mail response to a request for elaboration, Mr. Goldstone declined to comment beyond his article.

The New York Times

Similarly, the Pentagon policy always requires an "appropriate" level of human control; a spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for elaboration.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In response to request for elaboration, Mr. Gingrey said Wednesday in an e-mail: "I have a proven decade-long record of voting against tax increases, and believe that tax hikes on anyone in the middle of an economic recession is the last thing our country needs.

The New York Times

Table 5 Rebecca's request for elaboration in response to student's question (13:53 in recording) Turn Speaker Utterance 1 Student "Does the concentration, the amount of light that something is exposed to, can this affect it [the enzyme production]?" 2 Rebecca "The question is if this is relevant.

International Journal of STEM Education

Frisk declined a request for an interview.

The New York Times - Sports

A request for a photo was declined.

The New York Times

He declined a request for an interview.

The New York Times

(He declined a request for comment).

The New York Times

(Mr. Mitchell declined a request for comment).

The New York Times - Arts

The National Basketball Players Association declined a request for comment.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a request for elaboration" when you need specific details to be expanded upon. This clarifies that you're not simply asking for a summary, but for deeper insight.

Common error

Ensure that it's clear what needs "elaboration". Avoid ambiguous references by specifying the topic or concept needing further detail, otherwise your request might be misinterpreted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a request for elaboration" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the act of asking for more detailed information or clarification on a particular topic. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in contexts such as news reports and academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a request for elaboration" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for formally seeking more detailed information on a topic. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and suitability across different writing contexts. While relatively uncommon, it finds its niche in news, scientific, and general informational contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the subject needing elaboration is clearly specified. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "a request for clarification" or "a solicitation for additional information", adjusting for the specific nuance and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a request for clarification

Focuses specifically on making something clearer, slightly narrower in scope.

a request for further details

Emphasizes the need for additional specific information.

a call for more information

More direct and potentially urgent than the original phrase.

a request for more explanation

Highlights the need for a clearer understanding of a concept.

a solicitation for additional information

More formal and suggestive of a proactive effort to gather details.

a prompt for further explanation

Implies a need to encourage or stimulate a more detailed response.

a demand for greater detail

More assertive and insistent than the original phrase.

an invitation to elaborate

More polite and encouraging of a more detailed response.

seeking further clarification

Focuses on the act of seeking, rather than the request itself.

wanting more details

Informal and emphasizes the desire for more information.

FAQs

How can I use "a request for elaboration" in a sentence?

You can use "a request for elaboration" when seeking more detailed information about a particular topic. For instance, "The committee issued "a request for elaboration" regarding the budget proposal".

What's a more formal way to say "a request for elaboration"?

A more formal alternative to "a request for elaboration" could be "a solicitation for additional information", which is often used in professional or academic contexts.

Which is correct: "requesting elaboration" or "a request for elaboration"?

"Requesting elaboration" is grammatically correct, but it serves as a gerund or present participle, functioning as a verb or part of a continuous verb tense. "A request for elaboration" is a noun phrase and is appropriate when you want to emphasize the request itself.

What can I say instead of "a request for elaboration" if I want to be more direct?

If you want to be more direct, you could say "a demand for greater detail". However, be mindful of the context and relationship with the person you're addressing, as this phrasing can come across as assertive.