explanation is required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explanation is required" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually implies that something needs to be explained or justified in order to be accepted or understood. For example, "The project plan should be provided with an explanation of why it differs from the original proposal. Explanation is required."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

No explanation is required.

The New York Times - Arts

Here an explanation is required.

The New Yorker

No further explanation is required.

The Guardian

Here, a brief explanation is required.

The Guardian - Sport

For an understanding of the "axiom schema of separation" considerable explanation is required.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No explanation is required: an email with subject line "I opt out of future use of my work" is sufficient.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Maybe that explained it, if an explanation was required.

The New Yorker

No dancer ever mimed sniffing or inhaling; no such explanation was required.

The New York Times - Arts

But since Mr. Blair and Ms. Miller wrote what appeared in The Times, more lengthy explanation was required.

The New York Times

Schlafly never really explained this turn in her political life, and she didn't seem to feel that any explanation was required.

The New Yorker

THE E-mail was brief, but for the loose group of Webheads who subscribe to a list where it was posted recently, no further explanation was required.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explanation is required" when pointing out the need for clarity or justification, particularly in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "explanation is required" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stiff. In informal settings, consider using alternatives like "that needs explaining" or "why is that?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explanation is required" functions as a statement indicating that something needs to be clarified or justified. It's a passive construction emphasizing the necessity of providing an explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explanation is required" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates the necessity for clarification or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is appropriate across a range of formal contexts, including news, scientific research, and academic writing. While the phrase is versatile, remember that more informal alternatives might be suitable for casual settings. The usage patterns show a strong presence in scientific and news-related content, highlighting its relevance in contexts where accuracy and clarity are paramount. Common alternatives include "an explanation is needed" and "justification is required", offering slight variations in emphasis while maintaining a similar core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an explanation is needed

Changes the verb from "required" to "needed", maintaining the same meaning.

an explanation is necessary

Replaces "required" with "necessary", conveying a similar level of importance.

justification is required

Substitutes "explanation" with "justification", implying a need for validation or defense.

elucidation is required

Uses "elucidation" in place of "explanation", suggesting a need for clarification.

clarification is needed

Replaces the term with "clarification is needed", changing the noun while maintaining the meaning.

further details are needed

Emphasizes the need for more specific information.

more information is needed

Highlights the necessity of additional information to comprehend the subject.

details must be provided

Shifts the focus to the act of providing details rather than the necessity of explanation.

reasons must be given

Focuses on the necessity of providing reasons to support a claim.

a rationale is necessary

Highlights the need for an underlying reason or logical basis.

FAQs

How can I use "explanation is required" in a sentence?

Use "explanation is required" to emphasize the necessity of clarifying something. For example, "Given the discrepancy in the data, an explanation is required."

What can I say instead of "explanation is required"?

You can use alternatives like "an explanation is needed", "justification is required", or "more information is needed" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "explanation is required"?

It's appropriate in formal settings, reports, or discussions where clarity and justification are essential. For instance, in a scientific report or a legal document.

Is "explanation is required" formal or informal?

The phrase "explanation is required" leans towards the formal side. In more casual situations, you might opt for phrases like "that needs explaining".