clarification requested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clarification requested" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to politely ask for further explanation or clarification on a certain matter. Example: "In order to properly address the issue, clarification is requested on the specific details of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Such discounts are permissible under federal fraud and abuse laws, the government said, in a clarification requested by the hospital industry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

To that end, leaders ask open ended questions, and promote discussion by using probes such as asking for clarification, requesting explanations, and encouraging cross-talk between group members.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

For this reason another way of facilitating the process would be to establish greater coordination between sponsors, CROs and investigators, both before sending the protocol for evaluation to the EC as well as when responding to all the clarifications requested.

Revista Clínica Española

Many studies have been published about ethics committees and the clarifications requested about the submitted applications.

BMC Medical Ethics

Prior studies on ethical review of protocols involving human subjects have investigated the type of amendments and clarifications requested from researchers by RECs.

BMC Medical Ethics

Studies investigating the process of ethical review have revealed that most of the clarifications requested from the researchers by the committees are concerned with the informed consent process [ 4, 5].

BMC Medical Ethics

It now anticipates a clarification request from the panel.

The Guardian - Sport

Prompts may be delivered, for instance, as a simple clarification request (e.g., "Sorry, I didn't get your point").

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Next, further consideration revealed that under the elicitation function, three more subordinate functions were necessary (elicitation, facilitation and clarification requests), while under the feedback function, another three subordinate functions were included (recast, comment and assessment).

Language Testing in Asia

The functional aspect of classroom language use is assessed separately from the Integrated Diagnostic Scale through Function-Specific Scales covering six different functions: (a) elicitation, (b) facilitation, (c) clarification request, (d) recasts, (e) comments and (f) assessment.

Language Testing in Asia

The case of lack of engagement can be seen on the side of the participants by exhibiting gestures that show uncertainty in what have been said and no further questioning or clarification requests.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair it with the specific subject of the inquiry to avoid broad, unhelpful requests.

Common error

Avoid using "clarification requested" when you actually mean that the information provided is factually incorrect. Clarification implies the information is simply not clear, while a correction implies it is wrong. Use more direct language if the data needs to be fixed rather than just explained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarification requested" functions as a passive participial construction. It is often used as a reduced relative clause or a standalone status indicator in bureaucratic and academic workflows. According to Ludwig, it serves to mark a specific item as needing further intellectual or administrative labor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clarification requested" is an indispensable tool in professional English for navigating complex information exchanges. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a grammatically correct and stylistically neutral choice for seeking precision. Whether in the rigorous environment of scientific peer review or the fast-paced world of international journalism, it allows writers to identify gaps in data with professional poise. It is most effective when the need for information is genuine rather than a critique of the source. By choosing this phrase over more aggressive alternatives, writers can foster a collaborative atmosphere in both academic and corporate settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarification sought

Uses a more formal verb often found in legal or official proceedings.

clarification required

Implies a mandatory necessity rather than a simple request.

further information requested

Expands the scope to any data rather than just clarifying existing points.

explanation requested

Asks for the reasoning behind a decision or statement.

clarity requested

Focuses on the quality of the communication rather than the specific details.

precision requested

Suggests that the current information is too vague and needs exactness.

details requested

A more direct and slightly less formal way to ask for specifics.

elaboration requested

Invites the speaker to expand on their previous points in more depth.

additional info requested

A more casual or shorthand version used in internal business emails.

specification requested

Used when technical or distinct parameters need to be defined.

FAQs

How do I use "clarification requested" in a sentence?

You can use it as a passive statement such as, "Further "clarification requested" by the board was provided in the follow-up memo", or as a heading in a report.

What can I say instead of "clarification requested"?

Depending on the tone, you can use "clarification sought", "further information requested" or "explanation needed".

Is "clarification requested" formal enough for a legal document?

Yes, it is very common in formal settings. However, in legal contexts, phrases like "clarification sought" or "precision requested" are also frequently employed.

What is the difference between "clarification requested" and "clarification required"?

The main difference lies in the level of necessity. While "clarification requested" is a polite inquiry, "clarification required" suggests that the process cannot move forward until the ambiguity is resolved.