asking for explanations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for explanations" 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, several team members were asking for explanations regarding the new project guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The poor sods come to him asking for explanations.

The Guardian - Books

Gérin told Mediapart he was not a beneficiary of the trust and said he would be asking for explanations from Le Pen and lawyers.

The Guardian

The company says that it wants to apply its new rules "thoughtfully," which may mean asking for explanations about issues so it can understand the wider context.

TechCrunch

These contributions entailed concepts they did not know, leading to interaction, that is, asking for explanations or joint consultations of the Internet and remarks about their learning due to the input of others.

BMC Medical Education

16 17 This may reflect the findings of Ussher et al 18 that CHD patients with low health literacy have increased difficulty in understanding information, less knowledge of heart problems and increased discomfort about asking for explanations.

BMJ Open

Below each statement there were two open-ended questions, one asking for explanations for why they found gender relevant or not, and the other for examples and situations where gender might be of importance.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

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

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

The New Yorker

When he asked for explanations, the police just wrote more tickets.

The Guardian

"When I asked for explanations, they were like, 'Because it's like that,'" she recalls tartly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "asking for explanations" when you need to convey a direct request for clarification, especially when the information is complex or unclear. This phrasing is suitable for professional, academic, and general contexts.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions where an active voice would be clearer and more direct. Instead of saying "Explanations were being asked for", opt for "People were asking for explanations" to maintain clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for explanations" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun within a sentence. It describes the action of seeking clarification or further details about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asking for explanations" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that denotes seeking clarification or more detailed information. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's suitable across various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. While alternatives like "requesting clarification" may offer a more formal tone, "asking for explanations" remains a versatile and direct way to express the need for greater understanding. Its widespread use in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in both written and spoken English. Remember to use active voice to keep the sentence structure clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting clarification

Focuses on making a formal request for something to be made clearer.

seeking clarification

Emphasizes the act of actively searching for a clearer understanding.

inquiring about reasons

Highlights the desire to understand the causes or justifications behind something.

demanding answers

Implies a forceful request, often in response to dissatisfaction or suspicion.

wanting details

Indicates a need for more specific information to fully understand something.

pressing for details

Highlights a strong desire to extract precise information.

questioning motives

Suggests skepticism and a desire to understand the underlying intentions.

probing for answers

Suggests a thorough and investigative approach to getting information.

investigating reasons

Implies that there is a formal inquiry to understand the reason behind something.

soliciting feedback

Focuses specifically on seeking opinions or responses to improve or clarify something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "asking for explanations" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "requesting clarification" or "seeking clarification". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but are generally perceived as more professional.

What's the difference between "asking for explanations" and "demanding answers"?

"Asking for explanations" implies a simple request for clarification. "Demanding answers" suggests a more forceful request, often in response to dissatisfaction or suspicion. The latter indicates a sense of urgency or entitlement.

Is it correct to say "ask for explanation" instead of "asking for explanations"?

While "ask for explanation" might be grammatically correct in certain contexts, "asking for explanations" is more commonly used when referring to a general or ongoing request for multiple clarifications. "Ask for explanation" is more suitable when referring to a single, specific instance.

When is it appropriate to use "asking for explanations" in written communication?

Use "asking for explanations" in situations where clarification is needed, whether it's in reports, emails, or other forms of written communication. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language.