a request to clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a request to clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to provide more information or explanation about a specific topic or statement. Example: "I have a request to clarify the details of the project timeline, as I want to ensure we are all on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Ms. Quan declined a request to clarify her position.

The New York Times

A Mets spokesman declined a request to clarify Wilpon's statements.

The New York Times

A Police Department spokesman did not respond to a request to clarify the matter.

The New York Times

The DRI and the ED did not respond to a request to clarify the status of the investigations.

The Guardian

The company had not responded to a request to clarify Hammond's status and whether a replacement as managing director had been appointed by the time of publication.

The Guardian

It is a request to clarify aspects of our plan and for us to provide information that has not been included in the plan".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This is a basic request to clarify and assert his rights under the law.

The Guardian

But only Sanders seems to be advocating taking marijuana off the Schedule entirely, although campaign staff did not respond to a Guardian request to clarify his position.

The Guardian

This was in The Boston Globe on Tuesday: "Responding to a Globe request to clarify Romney's statement to The Denver Post, Romney's campaign said he would honor deportation exemptions issued by the Obama administration before his inauguration but would not grant new ones after taking office".

The New York Times

The company, however, did not spell out in detail how it may have controlled the Twitter bots and the crude images circulated on Twitter, nor did it respond to a Times request to clarify its role.

Los Angeles Times

In August, immigrant and civil rights groups filed a Freedom of Information Act request to clarify the reasons for the ongoing delays.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a request to clarify" when seeking further explanation on a specific point, especially after an initial statement or action that might be ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "a request to clarify" excessively in highly formal documents. More concise alternatives like "clarification needed" or "further details required" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a request to clarify" functions as a noun phrase that acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating a need or demand for more understandable or precise information. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a request to clarify" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to formally ask for additional information or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it is crucial to consider the level of formality required by the specific situation. Alternatives like "a call for explanation" or "need for further details" can be more appropriate in some cases. By considering these nuances, you can effectively use "a request to clarify" to promote clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a need for further details

Indicates that the current level of information is insufficient.

a call for explanation

Highlights the need for a rationale or justification behind a certain action or decision.

a prompt for details

Focuses on obtaining specific information that is currently lacking.

a demand for clarification

Emphasizes a more assertive and less negotiable need for explanation.

an inquiry for elucidation

Suggests a formal context where a more detailed explanation is needed.

a solicitation for insight

Implies seeking a deeper understanding or perspective on a topic.

a petition for more light

Highlights the need for more information to understand what happened.

an application for greater transparency

Emphasizes openness and the revealing of hidden information.

a submission for interpretive information

Highlights the need for helping understanding or explaining something.

a humble plea for insight

Underlines the need for gaining insight on something from a polite point of view.

FAQs

How can I use "a request to clarify" in a sentence?

You can use "a request to clarify" when you need more information about something. For example, "The journalist issued "a request to clarify" the politician's statement on the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "a request to clarify"?

Alternatives include "a call for explanation", "need for further details", or "an inquiry for elucidation", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "requesting clarification" or "a request to clarify"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a request to clarify" is a more formal noun phrase, while "requesting clarification" is a gerund phrase that might be used more directly in an email or memo.

When is it appropriate to use "a request to clarify" in written communication?

It's appropriate when you need to formally ask for more information or details regarding a specific issue, policy, or statement. It's suitable for both formal and neutral registers.