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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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formal request for explanation

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal request for explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are seeking clarification or additional information in a professional or official context. Example: "I am submitting a formal request for explanation regarding the recent changes in policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mahmoud Abbas submitted a formal request for membership to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon Ki-Moon

No formal request for an exemption was ever filed.

News & Media

The New York Times

"We have not made a formal request for intervention.

The Security Council requested that the United Nations secretary general make a formal request for a full monitoring mission by this Thursday.

News & Media

The New York Times

But the family nevertheless made a symbolic formal request for the exhumation, Ms. Allende said this week.

News & Media

The New York Times

We sent a formal request for evaluation to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in August 2012".

News & Media

The New York Times

It should not take a formal request for him to step aside.

News & Media

The New York Times

Icann has put out a formal request for comments as a final precaution.

The United States has not yet made a formal request for his extradition.

News & Media

The New York Times

Petrocelli said he planned to file a formal request for a delay by Monday.

News & Media

The Guardian

A formal request for bids from prospective general contractors is expected in August.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "formal request for explanation", clearly state the subject matter requiring explanation to avoid ambiguity and ensure a focused response.

Common error

Avoid using "formal request for explanation" in casual conversations or informal emails; it's best reserved for official or professional communication where clarity and documentation are important.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal request for explanation" functions as a noun phrase. It signifies the act of officially seeking clarification or further information regarding a particular issue or decision. As Ludwig AI explains, it serves to ask for clarification or further details in a professional or official context.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formal request for explanation" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase employed to officially seek clarification or detailed information. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used to initiate inquiries in professional or official settings. While its frequency is currently limited, alternatives such as "official inquiry for clarification" and "formal demand for clarification" can be considered. Using this phrase ensures that your inquiry is taken seriously and prompts a structured response, although it should be reserved for contexts where formality is appropriate.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official inquiry for clarification

Replaces "request" with "inquiry", emphasizing the official nature of seeking clarification.

formal demand for clarification

Substitutes "request" with "demand", suggesting a more assertive approach to obtaining clarification.

official application for elucidation

Uses "application" instead of "request" and "elucidation" instead of "explanation", both implying a formal and detailed request.

written appeal for justification

Replaces "request" with "appeal" and "explanation" with "justification", suggesting a plea for a rationale in writing.

formal solicitation of details

Employs "solicitation" instead of "request" and "details" instead of "explanation", indicating a formal seeking of specific information.

official petition for reasons

Uses "petition" instead of "request" and "reasons" instead of "explanation", implying a formal plea for underlying reasons.

formal inquiry regarding rationale

Uses "inquiry regarding rationale" in place of "request for explanation" to denote a formal search for justification or underlying principles.

written submission seeking grounds

Replaces "request" with "submission" and "explanation" with "grounds", implying a written request seeking the basis or justification for something.

official communication requesting reasons

Replaces "request for explanation" with "communication requesting reasons" to denote the action of an individual or body requesting reasons.

formal application seeking an account

Replaces "request for explanation" with "application seeking an account" to represent an attempt to provide an account of incidents.

FAQs

How to use "formal request for explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "formal request for explanation" to start an official inquiry. For example: "I am submitting a "formal request for explanation" regarding the recent changes in policy."

What can I say instead of "formal request for explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "official inquiry for clarification", "formal demand for clarification", or "official application for elucidation" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "formal request for explanation" and "request for explanation"?

Adding "formal" indicates that the request follows a specific protocol, is officially documented, and may carry legal or procedural weight compared to a simple request.

When is it appropriate to use a "formal request for explanation"?

Use a "formal request for explanation" when you need a documented, official response, especially in situations involving policy changes, legal matters, or significant discrepancies that require clarification.

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Most frequent sentences: