need clarification on

USAGE SUMMARY

"need clarification on" is a correctly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask for more information and understanding about a specific topic. Example: I need clarification on the company's policy for vacation days.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

We need clarification on what it means," he said.

The Telegraph

It's a situation we need clarification on, and our position is we are going to request that.

Independent

Please check with the staff in the Bonfils­-Stanton Visitor Center if you need clarification on accessible routes.

Harvard University

Something is seriously awry and we need clarification on what this might mean for other aspects of the higher and further education budgets".

The Guardian

Reporters call when they need clarification on a sticky issue — like the recent flap over Darius Miles's comeback and its effect on the Portland Trail Blazers' cap.

The New York Times - Sports

"If palm oil is to expand in Cameroon and is going to be sustainable then we need clarification on what land is for palm oil, for housing or forestry".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

On Thursday, Representative Adam B. Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he needed clarification on whether White House officials had pursued "a circuitous route" to feed Mr. Nunes the materials so he could then hand them to Mr. Trump.

The New York Times

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

Some people needed clarification on what, exactly, Netflix was asking.

Huffington Post

Turner did not tweet again until over a week later, when she decided to follow up for anyone who still needed clarification on her feelings. .

Huffington Post

But the LAPD's Force Investigation Division, which investigates police shootings, continued to hold the report in Abrego's case because investigators needed "clarification on some issues regarding the autopsy," Smith said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need clarification on", be specific about the topic or aspect requiring further explanation to ensure a targeted and helpful response.

Common error

Avoid using "need clarification on" without specifying what exactly requires clarification. Being vague can lead to unfocused or unhelpful responses. Always clearly state the subject or aspect you're inquiring about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need clarification on" functions as a request for further explanation or information. Ludwig AI identifies this usage across various contexts, indicating its role in seeking a better understanding of a specific topic or issue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need clarification on" is a common and grammatically sound way to request additional explanation or information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. To enhance clarity, it's best to be specific about what requires clarification. Alternatives like "require further explanation regarding" can be used in more formal contexts, but "need clarification on" remains a versatile and acceptable choice for many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require further explanation regarding

Emphasizes the necessity of additional explanation, focusing on a more formal tone.

seek more information about

Highlights the act of actively searching for additional details on a specific topic.

desire greater understanding of

Focuses on the aspiration to achieve a more comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.

would appreciate more details concerning

Expresses a polite request for additional information, often used in professional settings.

require additional elaboration on

Highlights the necessity of expanding on existing information to provide a clearer picture.

need a more thorough explanation of

Specifies the need for a detailed and comprehensive explanation.

desire a clearer explanation regarding

Focuses on the need for an explanation that is easier to understand.

require further details about

Emphasizes the necessity of more specific and precise information.

seek a more complete picture of

Highlights the aim of obtaining a comprehensive overview of a situation or topic.

would value more insight into

Expresses the desire for a deeper and more profound understanding of the subject.

FAQs

How do I use "need clarification on" in a sentence?

You can use "need clarification on" to express that you require more information or a better understanding of something. For example, "I need clarification on the new company policy" or "We need clarification on the project's timeline".

What is a formal alternative to "need clarification on"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "require further explanation regarding" or "would appreciate more details concerning" to express the same need for understanding.

Is it better to say "need clarification on" or "need clarification about"?

"Need clarification on" and "need clarification about" are both acceptable, but "need clarification on" is often preferred when referring to a specific point or issue. "Need clarification about" is more general. The choice often depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "need clarification on" and "seek clarification on"?

"Need clarification on" implies a current lack of understanding that needs to be addressed. "Seek clarification on" suggests a more proactive approach, where you're actively looking for better understanding. The difference is subtle, but "seek" implies a deliberate action.