demands explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demands explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires clarification or justification. Example: "The sudden change in policy demands explanation from the management team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

This surge demands explanation, and requires careful thinking.

Stanford University

His performance was so dismal it demands explanation.

The New Yorker

The world in which it would happen is a fictional one that demands explanation.

The New Yorker

In any case, setting aside Trump's ultimate fate, his current position demands explanation.

The New Yorker

In the end, however, it isn't Farrakhan but Farrakhan's following that demands explanation.

The New Yorker

That drop, of fully five years in male life expectancy between 1991 and 1994, demands explanation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Pershing demanded explanation.

The New Yorker

He gets right up in Mike Dean's grille, demanding explanation for something or other.

The Guardian - Sport

Are there any other cases where significant new scientific ideas have arisen without any observations demanding explanation?

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, the supply-and-demand explanation for wider corporate spreads is dead wrong.

Forbes

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

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demands explanation" when you want to convey that a situation or fact is unexpected, problematic, or significant enough to warrant a thorough explanation. It's stronger than simply saying something 'needs explanation'.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "demands explanation" can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "needs explaining" or "requires more information" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demands explanation" functions as a declarative expression, asserting that a particular situation or event necessitates a clear and thorough justification. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, indicating the phrase is correct and usable. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use across various contexts where clarification is essential.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demands explanation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a need for clarification or justification. According to Ludwig, it is correct and appropriate for use in written English. The expression is commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and academic texts, emphasizing its formal register. When used, it implies a need for accountability or transparency. Simpler alternatives such as "requires clarification" or "needs explanation" may be more suitable for informal conversation. Overall, while the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, its level of formality should be considered depending on the context in which it is deployed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Requires clarification

Emphasizes the need for making something clearer or more understandable; less forceful.

Calls for justification

Highlights the need for providing reasons or evidence to support a claim or action.

Warrants further investigation

Suggests that something deserves a more in-depth examination due to its importance or unexpected nature.

Necessitates an explanation

Indicates that an explanation is essential or unavoidable, similar in formality.

Raises questions

Focuses on the inquiries or doubts that arise from a situation or statement.

Invites scrutiny

Implies that something should be closely examined, often due to potential issues.

Is deserving of scrutiny

Similar to 'invites scrutiny' but more passive in tone.

Needs to be accounted for

Stresses the importance of providing a valid reason or explanation for something.

Requires accounting for

More formal version of 'needs to be accounted for'.

Merits explanation

Suggests that a topic is worthy of explanation due to its significance.

FAQs

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

The phrase "demands explanation" is used to emphasize that something requires clarification or justification. For example, "The sudden policy change demands explanation from the CEO."

What's a less formal alternative to "demands explanation"?

Alternatives include "requires clarification", "needs explaining", or "needs clarification", which are more appropriate for casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "demands explanation"?

Use "demands explanation" in situations where there is a clear need for accountability or when something unexpected or problematic has occurred. It's common in news reports, academic writing, and formal discussions.

How does "demands explanation" differ from "needs explanation"?

"Demands explanation" implies a greater sense of urgency and a right to receive an explanation, while "needs explanation" is a more neutral statement that something requires clarification.