demands clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demands clarification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is unclear and requires further explanation or detail. Example: "The report contains several ambiguous statements that demands clarification before we can proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The letter from law firm Peters & Peters to the director general of Soca, Trevor Pearce, demands clarification of how sensitive and potentially life-threatening information was handed over despite promises to the contrary.

The Guardian

The uncertainty regarding intracellular H2O2 diffusion dynamics demands clarification.

Cell Death and Disease

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

The German chancellor found the evidence substantial enough to call the White House and demand clarification.

The Guardian

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

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

But the suspicions have prompted some in the French opposition to demand clarification of France's role in Ivory Coast, a former colony.

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demands clarification" when you want to express a strong need for something to be made clearer or more understandable. It implies that the lack of clarity is problematic and requires immediate attention.

Common error

Avoid using "demands clarification" in very casual or informal situations. The phrase carries a level of formality, so opt for simpler alternatives like "needs explaining" or "needs to be clearer" when communicating with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demands clarification" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating that something necessitates being made clearer. Ludwig examples show this phrase often appears when ambiguity or lack of detail requires further explanation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demands clarification" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong need for something to be made clearer. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it suits formal and neutral registers, implying urgency and a requirement for precision. When using the phrase, remember it's best suited for situations where ambiguity is problematic and requires immediate attention. For more casual contexts, alternatives like "needs explaining" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs further explanation

A straightforward and common way to express that something is not fully understood.

requires elucidation

Emphasizes a need for clearer explanation, particularly in complex or technical contexts.

calls for more detail

Highlights the lack of specific information, suggesting a need for elaboration.

raises the need for elaboration

Highlights that the current information is underdeveloped and requires more thorough explanation.

necessitates further inquiry

Implies a formal need to investigate or seek more information to resolve uncertainty.

prompts a request for specifics

Emphasizes the active seeking of precise information to resolve ambiguity.

warrants further investigation

Suggests a need for deeper examination, often in response to suspicious or unclear circumstances.

is in need of specification

Focuses on the requirement for concrete and precise details to clarify an ambiguous subject.

begs the question for further details

Indicates the current information is insufficient, prompting a need for elaboration and additional data.

invites further probing

Suggests that the current situation is ripe for additional investigation or questioning to uncover more information.

FAQs

How can I use "demands clarification" in a sentence?

You can use "demands clarification" when something is unclear and requires a detailed explanation. For example: "The ambiguous policy statement /s/demands+clarification before it can be implemented".

What are some alternatives to "demands clarification"?

Alternatives include phrases like "requires elucidation", "needs further explanation", or "calls for more detail" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "demands clarification"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "demands clarification" in formal settings, such as legal, academic, or professional contexts, where precision and clarity are essential.

Is "demands clarification" the same as "requires clarification"?

While similar, "demands clarification" implies a stronger need or urgency for clarification than "requires clarification". "Demands" suggests a more pressing or critical need.