ask for explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request clarification or more information about a particular topic or statement. Example: "If you don't understand the concept, don't hesitate to ask for explanation during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although an interpreter may be afraid to come across incompetent, it's the best policy to acknowledge what you don't know and ask for explanation.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Accustomed to messy problems, they did not ask for explanations.

The New Yorker

When a bank is involved in a matter that makes such a noise, then we have to ask for explanations".

The New York Times

All bids are required to be transparent — opponents can even ask for explanations — but the complexity can be intimidating, especially for beginners.

The New Yorker

From then on, I had the courage to put my hand up and ask for explanations at all sorts of meetings.

The Guardian

Ask for explanations of anything that you don't understand.

Forbes

Ask for explanations.

Huffington Post

Participants were able to ask for explanations of the questions if necessary.

BMC Oral Health

However my aunt has been abused and a friend of mine consistently brought up the Paris attacks asking for explanation and it made me feel uncomfortable.

The Guardian

Subtleties of the language were to a large extent poorly comprehended, and sometimes the conversations were interrupted by the interviewer asking for explanation for expressions or words.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Bewildered, Taco asks for explanation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask for explanation", ensure the context is clear. Specify what you need an explanation of to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I need to ask for explanation", specify, "I need to ask for an explanation of this policy".

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I will ask for explanation later". Be proactive and specific about what needs clarification and when you will seek it. For instance, "I will ask for an explanation of the budget allocation during tomorrow's meeting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for explanation" serves as a request or inquiry for clarification or further details about something that is not fully understood. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is used to seek a better understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

16%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask for explanation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to request clarification or further details. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common use across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific domains. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify what you need an explanation of. Alternatives include "request clarification" or "seek an explanation". Be mindful of being proactive, instead of vaguely stating you'll ask for explanation later.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request clarification

Focuses on making something clearer, similar to asking for an explanation.

seek an explanation

Implies a more active search for an explanation.

inquire about the reason

Specifically targets the reason behind something, similar to asking for an explanation of why.

demand an explanation

Conveys a stronger sense of entitlement or insistence on receiving an explanation.

solicit an explanation

Implies a formal or polite request for an explanation.

invite explanation

Suggests creating an opportunity or making it easier for someone to provide an explanation.

call for an explanation

Often used when there's a public demand or expectation for clarification.

press for details

Emphasizes the act of pushing someone to provide more specific information.

want to know why

A simple and direct way of expressing the need for an explanation.

require an explanation

Indicates that an explanation is necessary or mandatory.

FAQs

How can I use "ask for explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for explanation" to request clarification on a topic. For example, "If you don't understand the instructions, don't hesitate to "ask for explanation"." To improve your sentence, specify what you are asking for an explanation of.

What's a more formal way to say "ask for explanation"?

More formal alternatives include "request clarification", "seek an explanation", or "solicit an explanation". These options are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is it correct to say "asked for explanation" or "asked for an explanation"?

"Asked for an explanation" is generally preferred because it's more grammatically complete. However, "asked for explanation" may be acceptable in informal contexts or headlines where brevity is valued.

What's the difference between ""ask for explanation"" and "demand an explanation"?

"Ask for explanation" is a neutral request for clarification. "Demand an explanation" implies a stronger, more forceful request, often when someone feels entitled to an explanation or is dissatisfied with a situation.