it needs clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs clarification" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in both formal and informal contexts when you need to point out that something requires further explanation or detail. For example: The policy states that employees must receive one additional week of vacation each year. However, it needs clarification - how will this additional week be distributed?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"We did not finalize all the conditions; it needs clarification," Wirz said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It needs clarification," said Yany Galiatzatos, behind the counter at his convenience store, Snacks on First.

The New York Times

The Tour said it needs clarification of the Americans With Disabilities Act because this year two federal appeals courts interpreted the act differently.

The New York Times - Sports

Now at Advanced or Challenge levels you might specifically be asked to ROLL as a couple, but the caller should then say as couples ROLL or individually ROLL if it needs clarification.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It wasn't a subject that needs any more exploitation; it needs clarification".

Vice

Although Argyris and Schön's seminal loop learning framework provides a general understanding of organizational learning, it needs clarification on how it flows across different organizational levels.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Going back to the topic again today, she said that the Naipaul controversy "has made it clear (in case it needed clarification) that 'before' is 'now'now

The Guardian - Books

Hisham Skeif, a former member of the opposition council in Aleppo and now a political spokesman for a rebel faction, was skeptical of the Russian proposal, saying it needed clarification on the precise boundaries of the cease-fire zones and the identities of the monitoring forces.

The New York Times

Does it need clarification?

WikiHow

Having watched it, I need clarification.

BBC

I spoke to Steve after the game on Saturday night but, having watched it again, I need clarification". An IRB spokesman declined to comment on Tuesday night but confirmed refereeing performances in the Six Nations would be taken into account when appointments are made for this summer's Tests in the southern hemisphere.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs clarification", ensure the context makes clear what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the subject requiring clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "it needs clarification" without a clear antecedent for "it". Always ensure the subject requiring clarification is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the surrounding text to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs clarification" functions as a statement indicating that a particular subject or topic requires further explanation or detail to be fully understood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs clarification" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something requires further explanation or detailing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts like news, science, and formal communications. While versatile, ensure the subject is clear to avoid ambiguity. Related alternatives include "it requires further explanation" or "it demands more clarity". Overall, the phrase is a reliable way to signal a need for more information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires further explanation

Changes the verb from "needs" to "requires" and replaces "clarification" with "further explanation".

it demands more clarity

Substitutes "needs" with "demands" and "clarification" with "more clarity".

it calls for further details

Replaces "needs clarification" with "calls for further details".

it warrants additional information

Uses "warrants" instead of "needs" and "additional information" instead of "clarification".

it could be better defined

Shifts the focus to the need for better definition rather than clarification.

it isn't clear enough

Expresses the lack of clarity directly using a negative statement.

it necessitates further elucidation

Replaces "needs clarification" with the more formal "necessitates further elucidation".

it remains ambiguous

Focuses on the ambiguity of the subject, implying a need for clarification.

it is subject to interpretation

Highlights the potential for multiple interpretations, suggesting a need for clearer definition.

it would benefit from elaboration

Indicates that further elaboration would improve understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "it needs clarification" in a sentence?

You can use "it needs clarification" to indicate that something requires further explanation or detail. For example, "The policy outlines the procedure, but "it needs clarification" regarding the specific timeline".

What are some alternatives to saying "it needs clarification"?

Alternatives include "it requires further explanation", "it demands more clarity", or "it calls for further details" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "it needs clarification" or "that needs clarification"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "that needs clarification" is typically used when "that" refers to a specific statement or point previously mentioned. "It needs clarification" is more general.

What's the difference between "it needs clarification" and "it needs to be clarified"?

"It needs clarification" implies that the subject itself requires further explanation. "It needs to be clarified" suggests that someone needs to take action to make the subject clearer.