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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
clarification was requested
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "clarification was requested" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has asked for more information or explanation about a particular topic or statement. Example: "During the meeting, clarification was requested regarding the new policy changes to ensure everyone understood the implications."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(16)
clarification was required
clarification was sought
further details were requested
clarification were sought
explanations were requested
declaration was sought
confirmation was sought
approval was sought
annotation was sought
input was requested
clarification has been sought
a request for clarification was made
elaboration was requested
clarification was wanted
clarification was needed
additional information was requested
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
If clarification was requested or if the athlete did not know the answer, the item was recorded as unknown.
Science
Any missing information or clarification was requested from corresponding authors.
Science
When required, clarification was requested and obtained from TB specialists who had been the treating physicians.
Science
If it was unclear whether an anomaly was intended or not, clarification was requested from the pharmacist.
Science
In response to statement about asking others for help in understanding treatment information provided by P12, further clarification was requested.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
Clarification is requested.
News & Media
[Editors' note: further clarifications were requested before acceptance, as described below.
Science
[Editors' note: further clarifications were requested prior to acceptance, as described below.
Science
[Editors' note: further clarifications were requested prior to acceptance, as described below.] The reviewers previously brought up the problem of interpretation of the chitin binding assays.
Science
[Editors' note: further clarifications were requested prior to acceptance, as described below.] 1) Can the authors indicate the source/origin (yeast, human, etc). of the Nap1? 2) Figure 5A.
Science
[Editors' note: further clarifications were requested prior to acceptance, as described below.] The authors did a good job trying to respond to the comments to improve the manuscript.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
To enhance clarity, follow "clarification was requested" with a specific question or a summary of the area needing clarification. For example: "Clarification was requested regarding the methodology used in data collection."
Common error
Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "clarification was requested" when active voice would be more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of saying "Clarification was requested by the team", consider "The team requested clarification".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "clarification was requested" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone sought further explanation or detail. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is often found in contexts where the actor is less important than the action itself.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "clarification was requested" is a grammatically correct passive construction primarily used in formal and scientific contexts to indicate that someone asked for more information or a clearer explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase, although not very common. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates who requested the clarification and why. While the phrase is acceptable, be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider more direct alternatives when appropriate, such as "the team requested clarification". By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use "clarification was requested" in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
further details were sought
Replaces "clarification" with "further details" focusing on the desire for more specific information.
additional information was asked for
Substitutes "clarification" with "additional information" and rephrases "requested" to "asked for" emphasizing the need for more information.
more explanation was required
Focuses on the need for a better understanding, using "explanation" instead of "clarification" and "required" instead of "requested".
elaboration was sought
Uses "elaboration" to highlight the need for more detail and development on a topic.
further exposition was desired
Employs "exposition" to denote a detailed explanation, suggesting a formal context.
a more detailed account was called for
Emphasizes the necessity of a more comprehensive description or narrative.
an inquiry for clarity was made
Highlights the act of questioning to achieve better understanding and precision.
there was a need for greater precision
Indicates a demand for accuracy and exactness, shifting the focus from requesting to needing.
an attempt to gain better understanding was initiated
Shows the active process of trying to comprehend more effectively, rather than just seeking.
a call for greater transparency was issued
Addresses the need for openness and clear communication, particularly in formal contexts.
FAQs
What does "clarification was requested" mean?
The phrase "clarification was requested" means that someone has asked for more information or a clearer explanation about something that was previously unclear or ambiguous. It implies that there was a need for better understanding or further details.
How can I use "clarification was requested" in a sentence?
You can use "clarification was requested" in a sentence like this: "During the meeting, "clarification was requested" regarding the project's timeline." This indicates that someone at the meeting asked for more information about the project's timeline.
What's the difference between "clarification was requested" and "clarification was required"?
"Clarification was requested" means that someone asked for more information. "Clarification was required" implies that more information was necessary, whether or not someone explicitly asked for it. "Clarification was required" suggests a greater degree of necessity.
What are some alternatives to "clarification was requested"?
Some alternatives to "clarification was requested" include "further details were sought", "additional information was asked for", or "more explanation was required". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested