demand an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demand an explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to insist on receiving clarification or justification for something. Example: "After the unexpected decision was made, the employees felt it necessary to demand an explanation from management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

RitzRoy dispatched two boats to shore to demand an explanation.

The New Yorker

Sheerman has written to Ofsted's chief inspector, Christine Gilbert, to demand an explanation for the changes.

The Guardian

Then they march to the sheriff's office and demand an explanation.

The New York Times

Would they demand an explanation?… He didn't really have to explain at all.

The New Yorker

Fellow Headingley councillor Martin Hamilton has now written to the council to demand an explanation.

The Guardian

Mr. Wager called his councilman to demand an explanation, leaving a message.

The New York Times

But I hope their constituents demand an explanation for veering dramatically to the right.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Wide variations in levels and trends in self-rated health measured in nationally representative surveys using the same survey item demand an explanation.

American Journal of Epidemiology

Do all facts including the most ordinary ones demand an explanation?

SEP

On demand, an explanation text is displayed for the selected question.

Journal of Cheminformatics

A handful of people gathered outside of the restaurant Sunday to demand an explanation from the owner.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demand an explanation" when you want to strongly assert your need for understanding, especially when you feel entitled to it. Consider the context to ensure the tone is appropriate.

Common error

While "demand an explanation" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in casual conversations or situations where a less assertive approach is more appropriate. Phrases like "can you explain this?" or "what's the reason for this?" might be better suited for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demand an explanation" functions as a verb phrase where "demand" is the verb and "an explanation" is the direct object. It acts as a predicate in sentences, expressing a strong request for clarification. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demand an explanation" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express a strong request for clarification or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While effective, consider the tone and context, as less assertive alternatives like "request clarification" may be more suitable in informal settings. Overusing the phrase can come across as aggressive, so be mindful of your audience and relationship with the person from whom you are seeking an explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demand justification

Similar to "demand an explanation" but focuses on the justification itself.

request clarification

Focuses on seeking clarity rather than demanding, suggesting a less assertive approach.

require justification

Highlights the need for a valid reason or excuse, suggesting a more formal context.

insist on knowing why

Emphasizes the insistence on understanding the reason behind something, implying a potential dissatisfaction.

seek a rationale

Implies a search for a logical basis or principle, making it suitable for analytical contexts.

call for accountability

Stresses the need for someone to be responsible for their actions and provide an explanation.

expect an account

Conveys an anticipation of receiving a detailed report or explanation of events.

expect a reason

Similar to "expect an account" but shortened

press for details

Indicates a persistent effort to obtain specific information, often when it's withheld.

look for reasons

Suggests an active search for underlying causes or explanations.

FAQs

How can I use "demand an explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "demand an explanation" when someone's actions or decisions require clarification, as in, "The shareholders decided to demand an explanation for the company's declining profits".

What's a more polite way to "demand an explanation"?

Instead of "demand an explanation", you could "request clarification" or "seek a rationale", which are less assertive.

When is it appropriate to "demand an explanation"?

It is appropriate to use "demand an explanation" when there is a clear need for accountability or when decisions have significant consequences. For instance, a government might demand an explanation from another nation regarding a breach of international law.

Is there a difference between "demand an explanation" and "request an explanation"?

"Demand an explanation" implies a stronger sense of entitlement or dissatisfaction, whereas "request an explanation" is more neutral and less forceful.