expect an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expect an explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you anticipate receiving clarification or reasoning about a particular situation or decision. Example: "After the meeting, I expect an explanation regarding the changes in our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

She will expect an explanation.

The New York Times

Viewers should not expect an explanation for the time jump.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But Lev, in his letter — from which, after the long drum roll, we expect an explanation — does not take this line, or any one line.

The New Yorker

"Parliament is entitled to expect an explanation of the government's view of the legal justification for such a use of force before it happens, rather than wait until it does".

The Guardian

Not because I expect an explanation from the very people who pulled me out of my chair in the first place, but because the absurdity of the complaints process should be exposed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Manager Jerry Manuel said he had not asked Beltran, Castillo and Perez about why they did not go to Walter Reed and did not expect an explanation from them.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

When the mother returns from the US, where she left to fulfil her dream of becoming an actress, Apple expects an explanation.

The Guardian

Segerman's gorgeous 3D printed models, and his equally beautiful explanations, make this book a treat for the right-brained among us". "When someone unfamiliar with mathematics walks into my office expecting an explanation of the fourth dimension or hyperbolic space, the first thing I do is pull out some of Henry Segerman's sculptures.

Johns Hopkins University

First, the patient expected an explanation of her illness based on the bio-medical model.

F1000Research

By placing emphasis on achieving a correct answer and by leading students to expect an instructor explanation, students may be prevented from engaging in their "normal" level of discussion.

CBE Life Sciences Education

"We'll explain more tomorrow," Nuno said on Sunday night, yet few expect a real explanation.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expect an explanation" when you need to convey that you are waiting for someone to provide a reason or justification for something.

Common error

Avoid using "expect an explanation" in situations where a more assertive demand for information is necessary. Consider using stronger phrases like "demand a justification" to convey urgency or dissatisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expect an explanation" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, expressing the anticipation of receiving a reason or clarification for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expect an explanation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey anticipation of a reason or clarification. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, the surrounding context can influence its formality. When using "expect an explanation", ensure it aligns with the level of assertiveness required; in more demanding situations, consider stronger alternatives like "demand a justification".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipate a justification

Replaces 'explanation' with 'justification', implying a need for defense or validation.

look for a clarification

Substitutes 'expect' with 'look for', indicating a search for a clearer understanding.

await a rationale

Replaces 'expect' with 'await' and 'explanation' with 'rationale', suggesting a more formal anticipation of reasoning.

demand an accounting

Uses 'demand' instead of 'expect', conveying a stronger insistence on a detailed report or justification.

require an elucidation

Replaces 'explanation' with 'elucidation', implying a need for more detailed clarification.

count on an interpretation

Shifts the focus to receiving an 'interpretation', highlighting a subjective understanding.

presume a reason

Uses 'presume' instead of 'expect' and 'reason' in place of 'explanation', implying an assumption of an underlying cause.

foresee an account

Replaces 'expect' with 'foresee' and 'explanation' with 'account', suggesting anticipation of a narrative or report.

assume a justification

Uses 'assume' instead of 'expect' implying a belief without proof of the reason behind something.

envisage a clarification

Replaces 'expect' with 'envisage' indicating to imagine as a future possibility the receipt of clarification.

FAQs

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

You can use "expect an explanation" when you want to express that you anticipate receiving a reason or clarification. For instance, "After the significant drop in sales, I expect an explanation from the marketing team."

What can I say instead of "expect an explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "anticipate a justification", "look for a clarification", or "await a rationale" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I'm expecting an explanation"?

Yes, "I'm expecting an explanation" is grammatically correct and means you are currently waiting for an explanation. "Expect an explanation" is a more general statement of anticipation.

What's the difference between "expect an explanation" and "demand an explanation"?

"Expect an explanation" implies anticipation of a reason, while "demand an explanation" conveys a stronger, more forceful request. The latter is used when you feel entitled to an immediate and thorough justification.