it requires explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it requires explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is not immediately clear and needs further clarification or elaboration. Example: "The concept of quantum mechanics is complex, and it requires explanation for those unfamiliar with the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There is some danger of this with "Princes and Painters in Mughal Delhi, 1707-1857," because the context in which the images were made is so complex that it requires explanation.

The New York Times - Arts

There is some danger of this with the art exhibition "Princes and Painters in Mughal Delhi, 1707-1857," because the context in which the images were made is so complex that it requires explanation, she writes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

US practice is so different from French ritual that it sometimes requires explanation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That Trump is the evangelicals' man not only requires explanation, it is the explanation, providing the key to understand the logic of his campaign.

Huffington Post

"It's a word that requires explanation, even though people like myself, we understand what he was saying," said Lee Epstein, a constitutional scholar at the Northwestern University School of Law.

The New York Times

"It's a tool that requires explanation," Conard says.

TechCrunch

Finally, it may seem obvious that newcomers would be treated differently in our experiments, but it is this intuition that requires explanation.

Human Nature

As such, it has a technological history that requires explanation.

Johns Hopkins University

This also requires explanation from TMG.

The Guardian

Never available: Anything rare, that requires explanation.

Forbes

A strong association of pMOH with female gender requires explanation.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it requires explanation" when the subject is complex or unfamiliar to the audience, signaling the need for more in-depth information.

Common error

Avoid using "it requires explanation" for concepts that are already widely understood. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound condescending or unnecessarily complex. Opt for simpler language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it requires explanation" functions as a statement indicating that something is not immediately clear and needs further clarification or elaboration. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used to highlight the necessity of providing additional details to ensure understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it requires explanation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something needs further clarification. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase commonly appears in various contexts, including news media, scientific literature, and academic writing. While not exceedingly frequent, its usage is consistent and appropriate when signaling complexity or unfamiliarity. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject requiring explanation is clear and avoid overuse in simple contexts. Consider using alternatives like "it needs clarification" or "it demands elaboration" for variety. Understanding these nuances will help you use "it requires explanation" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs further clarification

Focuses on the need for making something clearer.

it demands further elaboration

Highlights the necessity of providing more details.

it calls for clarification

Emphasizes that clarification is required.

it warrants further explanation

Suggests a justification or reason for additional explanation.

it necessitates clarification

Implies that clarification is essential.

it needs to be elucidated

Uses a more formal term for clarifying, focusing on making something clear and understandable.

it must be clarified

States a requirement for clarification.

an explanation is needed

Rephrases to focus on the need for an explanation.

clarification is required

Emphasizes the requirement of clarification.

further details are necessary

Shifts the focus to needing more information or details.

FAQs

How can I use "it requires explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "it requires explanation" to indicate that a topic, concept, or situation needs further clarification. For example, "The concept of quantum entanglement is complex; /s/it+requires+explanation for those unfamiliar with physics".

What are some alternatives to saying "it requires explanation"?

Alternatives include /s/it+needs+clarification, /s/it+demands+elaboration, or /s/it+warrants+further+explanation. The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "it requires explanation" formal or informal?

"It requires explanation" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal options like "it necessitates clarification" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between saying "it requires explanation" and "it needs to be explained"?

"It requires explanation" emphasizes the inherent need for clarification due to complexity or unfamiliarity. "It needs to be explained" is a more general statement indicating that an explanation is necessary, without necessarily implying inherent complexity.