ask for clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for clarification" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you need more information or an explanation about something. For example, "I didn't understand the instructions fully; may I please ask for clarification?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

Cornell University

Always ask for clarification and examples if you don't understand.

The Guardian

Mr. O'Donnell was too shy to ask for clarification.

The New York Times

Ask for clarification on this from your GP.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

South temporized with three diamonds to ask for clarification.

The New York Times

They raise their hands and ask for clarification.

The New York Times

Be sure to ask for clarification if the discussion becomes too technical.

Color Trends and Selection for Product Design Every Color Sells a Story

The spokesperson added Malaysian diplomats would "ask for clarification" from British authorities.

The Guardian

He told the Americans to ask for clarification of actions that contradicted their stated commitments.

The Guardian

• "If I ask for clarification from my boss, he/she will think I am incompetent".

The New York Times

Ask for clarification: If you're not sure how ethical those you're representing are, seek clarification.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When unsure about any instruction or information, don't hesitate to "ask for clarification". It's better to ensure you understand correctly than to proceed based on assumptions.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume you understand something when you don't, leading to errors or misinterpretations. Always "ask for clarification" if there's any doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for clarification" functions as a requestive expression. It serves to solicit further explanation or detail regarding a statement, instruction, or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Wiki

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for clarification" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to request further explanation or details. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across numerous contexts, from formal academic settings to informal conversations. The phrase's frequency and diverse usage patterns underscore its importance in effective communication. When in doubt, remember to "ask for clarification" to ensure a clear understanding and avoid potential misinterpretations. Always strive for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can you clarify

Shorter and more direct way of asking someone to make something clearer.

I need clarification

Expresses the speaker's need for clarity, putting the onus on the other party to provide it.

request clarification

Formal alternative using "request" instead of "ask", implying a more official or polite inquiry.

seek clarification

Similar to "request clarification", "seek" suggests a proactive effort to obtain clarity.

enquire for clarification

British English variant of "ask for clarification", using "enquire" which sounds more formal.

seek further explanation

Focuses on the 'explanation' aspect, suitable when the user needs something explained more deeply.

request more details

Targets the 'details' aspect, useful when specific information is missing.

ask for more information

Broader than clarification, this phrase is appropriate when seeking additional facts.

could you elaborate

Direct question seeking more details or an expanded explanation from the speaker.

can you be more specific

A request for precise details to avoid ambiguity, this phrase is typically used when the original statement is too general.

FAQs

How can I politely "ask for clarification"?

You can politely "ask for clarification" by phrasing your request as a question, such as "Could you please elaborate on that point?" or "I'm not sure I fully understand; could you clarify?". Using polite language ensures a respectful and productive conversation.

What are some alternatives to "ask for clarification"?

You can use alternatives like "request clarification", "seek clarification", or "could you elaborate" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to "ask for clarification" multiple times?

Yes, it is generally appropriate to "ask for clarification" multiple times if you still don't understand something. However, try to be specific with your questions and show that you've made an effort to understand the previous explanations. If you are still struggling after multiple attempts, consider seeking help from another source or approaching the topic from a different angle.

When is it not a good idea to "ask for clarification"?

It might not be a good idea to "ask for clarification" if you haven't made a reasonable effort to understand the information yourself first. For example, if the answer is easily found with a quick search or if you haven't carefully read the provided materials, it's better to do your own research before asking for help.