a request to elaborate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a request to elaborate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide more details or clarification on a topic or statement. Example: "In your presentation, you mentioned several key points, but I have a request to elaborate on the third point for better understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Pitt declined a request to elaborate.

The New York Times

Mr. Gardner declined a request to elaborate on his assertion.

The New York Times

She declined a request to elaborate on her statement.

The New York Times - Sports

Cameron did not immediately respond to a request to elaborate on the meeting with Bush.

The Guardian

The department of corrections did not respond to a request to elaborate on the reasoning behind the clause.

The Guardian

The couple's lawyer, Paul W. Gardner of Baltimore, asserts that the Salahis had been "cleared, by the White House," to be at the event, and so were not really "crashing". Mr. Gardner declined a request to elaborate on his assertion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

She declined a request to elaborate Wednesday night, though she did provide some on-court commentary on the physical condition of Nadal.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Donohue declined an interview request to elaborate.

The New York Times

MPR later released a statement confirming Keillor's time with the organization had come to an end, but didn't respond to VICE News' request to elaborate on the allegations against Keillor.

Vice

Reflecting back at the scene from his moms dining room table, Stevens thought hard and you could see the wheels turning in his mind, relishing the request to elaborate on the feeling he had when Ainge and the Celtics' contingent departed.

Huffington Post

When they were requested to elaborate, some responses given were; 'I will develop chest pain and tumours', 'I may get bed-ridden' 'I may need major surgery' 'I will die and if so what will happen to the children'?

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a request to elaborate", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific point needs further detail. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the respondent knows exactly what information is being sought.

Common error

Avoid using "a request to elaborate" as a generic filler. Always pair it with a specific reference to the statement or issue that needs further clarification. For example, instead of saying "I have a request to elaborate", specify "I have a request to elaborate on the budget allocation for Q3".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a request to elaborate" is to serve as a noun phrase. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, expressing the act of asking for more details. Ludwig AI examples show it commonly used in contexts where further information or clarification is needed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a request to elaborate" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, functioning as a noun phrase that solicits further detail or clarification. While not overly formal, it is commonly used in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business contexts. To avoid ambiguity, it's best practice to specify what exactly needs elaboration. Alternatives include ""a call for clarification"" or ""a prompt for details"", offering similar meanings in different contexts. Overusing the phrase without specific context should be avoided for clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an invitation to expand

Replaces "request" with "invitation", focusing on encouraging further explanation.

a prompt for details

Substitutes "request" with "prompt", highlighting the act of eliciting more specific information.

a call for clarification

Replaces "elaborate" with "clarification", emphasizing the need for making something clearer.

a need for further explanation

Changes the structure to express a requirement for more details rather than a direct request.

a solicitation for more information

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "request" with "solicitation" and "elaborate" with "more information".

a demand for fuller details

Replaces "request" with "demand", indicating a stronger insistence on receiving more details.

a query for additional input

Substitutes "request" with "query" and "elaborate" with "additional input", framing it as a question for more contribution.

an appeal to provide more specifics

Replaces "request" with "appeal", suggesting a persuasive approach for more specific details.

a push for greater detail

Uses "push" instead of "request", indicating an active effort to get more detailed information.

a desire for amplified information

Replaces "request" with "desire" and uses "amplified information" instead of "elaborate", conveying a wish for expanded details.

FAQs

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

You can use "a request to elaborate" when you need more detail about something someone has said or written. For example, "The committee issued "a request to elaborate" on the project's timeline."

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

Alternatives include "a call for clarification", "a prompt for details", or "a need for further explanation", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "a request to elaborate" or "can you elaborate"?

"A request to elaborate" is generally more formal than "can you elaborate". Using a full phrase like "a request to elaborate" is suitable for official communication, while "can you elaborate" is fine for more casual settings.

When is it inappropriate to use "a request to elaborate"?

It might be inappropriate to use "a request to elaborate" in very informal settings or when speaking to someone who might perceive it as overly formal or demanding. In those cases, a simpler phrasing like "can you tell me more" may be better.