clarification was sought

USAGE SUMMARY

'clarification was sought' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an instance in which someone asked questions in order to acquire more understanding of a certain topic or situation. For example: "The boss felt as though there were some misunderstandings about the project, so clarification was sought from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

That clarification was sought by both the United States and Britain to avoid any interference in the continuing American military campaign.

The New York Times

Lib Dem negotiator David Laws said the party had agreed Mr Clegg would also continue to listen to representations from Labour while clarification was sought about the offer from the Tories.

Independent

Where the patient's eligibility for inclusion in the relevant cohort was unclear, clarification was sought from the investigators.

Annals of Intensive Care

Further clarification was sought from the corresponding educational officials, ECE scholars, or experienced educators whenever confusion or misconception in analyzing the official documents was encountered.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

A second limitation is that the account, in describing the possible outcomes as equally likely, implicitly appeals to the very probability notion for which clarification was sought.

SEP

Handedness in school children was judged by asking the child, as part of a standard assessment protocol, 'are you right- or left-handed?' The writing hand was specified if clarification was sought.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Points of clarification were sought where drawings were unclear, and discussion was encouraged.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Riders [have] been a major cause of concern for these giants". One of the issues on which further clarification is sought: 30% of the merchandise offered needs to be domestically produced in India.

Forbes

Data were abstracted on standardized forms from medical records and other supporting documents such as nursing charts and laboratory requests with clarification being sought form health workers or children's caretakers as needed.

BMC Health Services Research

Clarifications were sought on specific points emerging from their narratives.

BMJ Open

Where actors' opinions differed with data reviewed from documents, clarifications were sought.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clarification was sought" when you want to emphasize that a formal request or process was initiated to obtain more precise or detailed information.

Common error

Avoid using "clarification was sought" when active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "Clarification was sought by the team", try "The team sought clarification".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarification was sought" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an action (seeking clarification) was performed on a subject. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct. It's often used to maintain a formal tone, especially in professional or academic writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarification was sought" is a grammatically sound phrase commonly used to indicate that an effort was made to obtain further understanding or detail. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for use. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While grammatically accurate, writers should consider whether an active voice construction might be more impactful. Related phrases, like "explanations were requested", offer alternatives for nuanced expression. When using "clarification was sought", remember to maintain a formal and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explanations were requested

Focuses on the act of asking for explanations, differing from 'sought' which implies a broader search for understanding.

further details were requested

Highlights the need for more specific information, rather than a general clarification.

further information was requested

Similar to 'further details,' but can encompass a wider range of information beyond specific details.

elaboration was requested

Emphasizes the desire for a more detailed or comprehensive explanation.

further inquiry was made

Indicates a more formal or investigative approach to seeking clarification.

more details were elicited

Focuses on drawing out information from a source, often through questioning.

insight was pursued

Highlights the search for deeper understanding or perspective.

illumination was desired

Emphasizes the need for clarity or enlightenment on a particular subject.

a better understanding was needed

Focuses on the internal state of needing understanding, rather than the action of seeking it.

greater clarity was needed

Similar to 'a better understanding', but focuses on the quality of clarity rather than the act of understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "clarification was sought"?

You can use alternatives such as "explanations were requested", "further details were requested", or "additional information was requested depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "clarification was sought"?

The phrase "clarification was sought" is suitable in formal and professional settings, such as academic papers, legal documents, and business communications, where a formal request for information or explanation is implied.

Is "clarification was sought" grammatically correct?

Yes, "clarification was sought" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice of the verb "seek", indicating that someone requested or looked for clarification.

What's the difference between "clarification was sought" and "clarification was requested"?

While both phrases are similar, "clarification was sought" implies a more active or deliberate effort to obtain clarification. "Clarification was requested" simply states that a request was made, without emphasizing the effort involved.