asking for an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for an explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone is seeking clarification or more information about a particular topic or situation. Example: "During the meeting, she was asking for an explanation regarding the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

An email request was sent to Tony Fratto, asking for an explanation.

Huffington Post

The mayor has sent a letter to the UN asking for an explanation of the findings.

The Guardian

Send tweets to Annan's deputy @ahfawzi asking for an explanation on the Friday vacation for monitors.

The New York Times

Senator Jay Rockefeller, who chairs the committee overseeing the Federal Trade Commission, wrote to Heyward asking for an explanation.

The New Yorker

The decisions "suggest that science is not the primary basis for your decisions," he wrote, asking for an explanation.

The New York Times

The spokeswoman for Fox News did not respond to an email asking for an explanation of the discrepancies.

The Guardian

The former deputy prime minister, John Prescott, has written to them asking for an explanation for the failure.

The Guardian

Damon Chang, Alison's brother, wrote in an e-mail message from Taiwan that he "personally sent Virgin Mobile a complaint letter" asking for an explanation.

The New York Times - Tech

The Reds hardly put up a fight when the play occurred, with Manager Bob Boone asking for an explanation and being told it was a catch.

The New York Times - Sports

A few of these Democrats have begun stalling votes by insolently asking for an explanation of what the bills actually do.

The New York Times

That line piqued the interest of Senator Ron Wyden, a member of the Senate intelligence committee, who wrote to Alexander and Clapper asking for an explanation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "asking for an explanation", be specific in your request to ensure you receive a relevant and comprehensive response.

Common error

Instead of generally "asking for an explanation", clearly state what aspects require clarification to avoid ambiguity and ensure a focused response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for an explanation" functions as a gerund phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase describes the action of seeking clarification or justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asking for an explanation" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for seeking clarification or justification. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, you can use more formal alternatives, such as "requesting an explanation", in professional settings. To ensure clarity, be specific in your request. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is both valid and versatile for expressing a desire for understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting an explanation

Replaces "asking" with the more formal "requesting", maintaining the core meaning.

seeking clarification

Focuses on the desire for clearer understanding, replacing "explanation" with "clarification".

wanting to know why

A simpler and more direct way of asking for an explanation.

demanding an explanation

Conveys a stronger sense of insistence compared to simply asking.

inquiring about the reasons

Shifts the focus to the underlying reasons, offering a more detailed approach.

questioning the rationale

Emphasizes the process of questioning the justification behind something.

pressing for answers

Implies a persistent and determined effort to obtain information.

probing for details

Suggests a thorough investigation to uncover specific information.

investigating the cause

Highlights the effort to understand the origin or reason for an event.

looking for justification

Emphasizes the search for a valid reason or excuse.

FAQs

How can I use "asking for an explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "asking for an explanation" to describe someone seeking clarification or justification for something. For example, "The customer was "asking for an explanation" regarding the extra charges on their bill".

What are some alternatives to "asking for an explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting clarification", "seeking an explanation", or "inquiring about the reasons" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "asking for an explanation" and "demanding an explanation"?

"Asking for an explanation" implies a neutral request for clarification, while "demanding an explanation" suggests a more forceful and insistent approach.

When is it appropriate to use "asking for an explanation" in formal writing?

The phrase "asking for an explanation" is suitable for a variety of contexts. When you are in a professional setting, consider alternatives like "requesting an explanation" for a more formal tone.