demand explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demand explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need someone to give you an explanation for something that has happened. For example: "I demand an explanation for why my orders were never completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr Bernanke has long said a numerical inflation target would be a safeguard of the Fed's independence: sacrificing the target to other priorities would demand explanation.

The Economist

Secretary of State William P. Rogers was reported by Ad ministration officials to have also ordered Ambassador Jacob D. Beam to demand explanation of Soviet intentions in the Mid dle East.

The New York Times

The designing agent would itself demand explanation, requiring ultimately a sequence of prior analogous intelligences producing intelligences.

SEP

Although only a few reductionists demand explanation to be strictly nomological (Rosenberg 2006, Weber 2005), the subtle interplay between explanation and reduction will have to be treated when ranging over diverse biological subdisciplines.

SEP

Deviations from equal sex ratio therefore demand explanation.

Ecological Entomology

Further, as more full mitochondrial genomes are sequenced, there are interesting patterns of mitochondrial gene order that demand explanation and are themselves an additional source of phylogenetic signal [ 7, 8].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It can demand explanations from states.

The Washington Post

"It's because you cunts cry and demand explanations," they said.

The New Yorker

"We have a right to demand explanations at the O.S.C.E.," said the French Foreign Minister, Alain Juppe.

The New York Times

Later, Matvei Ganapolsky, a radio host on Ekho Moskvy, said the contradictions "demand explanations".

The New York Times

Bolivia said earlier it would also summon the French and Italian ambassadors and the Portuguese consul to demand explanations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demand explanation" when you need a clear and justified account, especially in formal contexts such as political affairs, business discrepancies or academic contexts where clarity is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "demand explanation" in casual conversation. It can sound overly aggressive. Instead, opt for softer phrases like "Can you explain...?" or "What's the reason for...?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demand explanation" serves as a verb phrase functioning as a direct object complement, typically following a subject who is requesting or requiring a reason for something. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage in various contexts where justification is sought.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "demand explanation" is grammatically correct and functions to express a strong need for justification or clarification. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage should be tailored to the context, avoiding overuse in informal settings where it may sound overly aggressive. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, it carries a tone of accountability and expectation of a response. Alternative phrases like "request clarification" or "seek an explanation" can soften the demand depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Insist on an explanation

Emphasizes the firmness of the request, similar in intensity to "demand".

Require an explanation

Indicates that an explanation is necessary, but can be less forceful than "demand".

Seek an explanation

Similar to "request clarification" but emphasizes the act of searching for understanding.

Press for an explanation

Suggests a persistent and determined effort to obtain an explanation.

Request clarification

Replaces "demand" with a more polite verb, softening the tone.

Expect an explanation

Conveys an anticipation of receiving an explanation, implying a right or entitlement.

Call for an explanation

Suggests a public or formal request for an explanation.

Challenge for an explanation

Implies that you are contesting something that has happened and asking why.

Ask for the reasons

A simpler and more direct way of requesting an explanation.

Look for the rationale

Focuses on seeking the underlying logic or reasoning behind something.

FAQs

How to use "demand explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "demand explanation" when seeking clarification or justification for an action or event. For example, "The shareholders "demanded explanation" for the company's financial losses".

What can I say instead of "demand explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "request clarification", "seek an explanation", or "require an explanation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "demand explanation"?

It is appropriate to use "demand explanation" in situations where there is a perceived need for accountability or justification, such as in legal, political, or professional settings. It conveys a firm expectation of a response.

Is "demand an explanation" different from "demand explanation"?

Yes, "demand an explanation" is more grammatically standard. "Demand explanation" omits the article 'an', making it sound slightly less formal but still understandable in many contexts. Both are used to express a strong need for clarification.