demanding clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demanding clarification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the need for more information or explanation about a particular issue or statement. Example: "During the meeting, she was demanding clarification on the project's timeline and deliverables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

As a result, six members of Congress wrote to Mr. Pataki this week demanding clarification.

The New York Times

What really riled them was a letter to ALEC's corporate donors from Senator Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, demanding "clarification" of their views on Stand Your Ground.

The Economist

Ms. Ressa has been a leader in demanding clarification of the government's policies toward the press and in filing a class-action lawsuit to bar prior restraint.

The New York Times

Celtic wrote to the Scottish Football Association SFAA) demanding clarification over the incident but SFA chief executive Stewart Regan denied that the Parkhead club's correspondence prompted his investigation.

Independent

The South African Rooibos Council has written to French authorities demanding clarification of the audacious move by Compagnie de Trucy, fearing that it could prevent South African companies from selling tea under the rooibos name in France.

The Guardian

The call by Tory backbencher Zac Goldsmith for a privacy bill is only the latest voice in a swelling chorus of lawyers and human rights groups demanding clarification of where the line between privacy and freedom of speech should be drawn.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mixed signals from senior Russian officials over how the propaganda law might be enforced during the Games have undercut assertions by the International Olympic Committee that gay athletes and spectators have nothing to worry about, and have left organizing officials facing harsh criticism and demanding clarifications from the Kremlin.

The New York Times

Figure skating judging is so arcane that the result demanded clarification.

The New York Times - Sports

The ministry demanded clarification from Ukraine, Reuters reports, and said it would consider retaliating.

The Guardian

The We Are Babar Ahmad campaign has also demanded clarification regarding Talha Ahsan, who, like Gary McKinnon, has Asperger's.

The Guardian

His first public comments on the documents appeared to raise tensions with neighboring Pakistan, which demanded "clarification" of his remarks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To soften the tone, consider using milder alternatives like "requesting clarification" or "seeking further information", especially in less formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "demanding clarification" in casual conversations or emails. This phrase can sound overly assertive or even aggressive if not used appropriately. Opt for a more relaxed tone unless the situation truly requires a formal request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demanding clarification" functions as a strong request for detailed explanation. It's commonly used when there's ambiguity, inconsistency, or lack of transparency. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demanding clarification" is used to firmly request a detailed explanation and, as Ludwig AI confirms, is grammatically correct. Although less common, it appears across various contexts, including news, business, and science. It's crucial to consider the tone and formality of the context when using this phrase; milder alternatives such as "seeking clarification" might be more appropriate in informal settings. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in situations requiring transparency and accountability, making it a strong yet context-sensitive phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requiring explanation

Indicates that an explanation is not optional; it is a necessity.

requesting explanation

Focuses on the act of asking for an explanation, rather than emphasizing a firm stance.

seeking further information

Highlights the action of looking for additional details, usually to understand a topic more deeply.

calling for an explanation

Suggests a public or formal request for reasons or justification.

seeking elucidation

Implies a more formal and thorough search for understanding.

pressing for answers

Focuses on insisting on receiving answers, generally to resolve doubts or questions.

pressing for details

Highlights the act of insistently asking for more specific information.

insisting on details

Similar to pressing for details, but can suggest a stronger need for comprehensive information.

insisting on transparency

Indicates a strong need for open and clear communication, usually in complex or political matters.

urging for details

Highlights the act of encouraging more specific information.

FAQs

How to use "demanding clarification" in a sentence?

You can use "demanding clarification" to express a firm request for explanation. For example: "The committee is "demanding clarification" on the budget allocations before approving the proposal."

What can I say instead of "demanding clarification"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting explanation", "seeking elucidation", or "insisting on details" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "demanding clarification" or "requesting clarification"?

Both phrases are correct, but "demanding clarification" implies a firmer, more assertive request. Use "requesting clarification" in more neutral or polite contexts.

What's the difference between "demanding clarification" and "seeking clarification"?

"Demanding clarification" suggests a strong insistence on receiving clear information, often in response to something unsatisfactory. "Seeking clarification", on the other hand, is a more general and less forceful way of asking for more information.