an explanation is required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an explanation is required" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that further clarification or reasoning is necessary in a given context. Example: "In order to proceed with the project, an explanation is required regarding the changes made to the original plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Here an explanation is required.

The New Yorker

Let's hope, though, that the duo reveal why Plan B is so much better than the simpler Plan A. It may be, but an explanation is required.

The Guardian - Business

Hadley said for "Andrew to write what he wrote … he has completely and utterly recanted on that – and I think an explanation is required".

The Guardian

If an explanation is required for the picture, hopefully it will be furnished soon (by me).

TechCrunch

Descartes had made a significant contribution to dynamics by showing that it is not necessary to explain why bodies in motion continue to move, and that an explanation is required only for a change in the condition of motion or rest of a given body.

SEP

The predominance of formless textures with no associated bacterial forms in some samples gathered from actively venting chimneys suggests that most of the initial precipitation could be abiotic, however an explanation is required for the dominance of biotic textures in other samples.

Geochemical Transactions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Maybe that explained it, if an explanation was required.

The New Yorker

Schlafly never really explained this turn in her political life, and she didn't seem to feel that any explanation was required.

The New Yorker

We show the chemistry and surface analysis data presented by Farid and Rahman to be contradictory, in terms of the relative alteration behaviour of these glasses, as verified by previous studies, and deduce that an alternative explanation is required to rationalise their observations.

Materials Chemistry and Physics

From these perspectives, an additional explanation is required for progression of diabetes and tissue damage in hypoinsulinemic status, like type I diabetes, Akt2 deficiency or nNOS knocked out mice.

Plosone

Once again, I'm not a theologian, but I don't think a theological explanation is required or even desired here.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an explanation is required", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be explained. Be specific about the subject requiring clarification to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an explanation is required" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "why?" or "what happened?" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an explanation is required" functions as a demand or statement indicating the necessity for clarification or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an explanation is required" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the necessity for clarification or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, prompting detail or reason-giving. Frequent use appears in news, science, and encyclopedia domains. To maintain naturalness in casual settings, consider simpler alternatives. When clarity is paramount, ensure the context clearly specifies what requires explaining.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clarification is needed

Focuses on the need for making something clearer; more direct.

Justification is necessary

Emphasizes the need to provide reasons or evidence to support a claim or action.

A reason is needed

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the basic need for a cause or rationale.

Further details are necessary

Highlights the lack of sufficient information; more specific to information gathering.

More information is needed

Focuses on the need for additional data or facts.

An account is called for

Implies a formal request or demand for an explanation, often regarding conduct or actions.

Some context is necessary

Highlights the need for background information to understand a situation.

Details must be provided

Emphasizes the act of giving specifics, often in response to a request.

Elaboration is required

Highlights the need to expand on a statement or idea to make it clearer.

It requires further elaboration

Focuses on the necessity of developing an idea or thought in greater detail.

FAQs

How to use "an explanation is required" in a sentence?

Use "an explanation is required" when you need clarification or justification for something. For instance, "An explanation is required for the sudden change in plans."

What can I say instead of "an explanation is required"?

You can use alternatives like "clarification is needed", "justification is necessary", or "a reason is needed depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an explanation is required" or "an explanation is needed"?

Both "an explanation is required" and "an explanation is needed" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired emphasis or tone.

What's the difference between "an explanation is required" and "an alternative explanation is required"?

"An explanation is required" generally asks for any explanation. "An alternative explanation is required" implies that the current explanation is insufficient or incorrect and a different one is needed.