request an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request an explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to provide clarification or details about a particular topic or situation. Example: "I would like to request an explanation for the changes made to the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There you have it: Porter's response to the threat to higher education is to politely request an explanation of how tuition fees will only be doubled rather than tripled in most cases.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Premier League has confirmed it will investigate Holloway's decision to make 10 changes for the 3-2 defeat at Villa Park last night and is to request an explanation from Blackpool before deciding its next step.

The Guardian - Sport

If Ferguson picks a more inexperienced side than he usually would, that is likely to prompt the League to request an explanation, yet Holloway feels offended by the notion that the United manager should be questioned.

Independent

I then used Dell's online e-mail message to request an explanation.

Forbes

"If the stories regarding Ms Sotoudeh are true, we will request an explanation from [the justice minister]," Mr Asfari was quoted as saying.

BBC

to formally request an explanation from  Kavanaugh for this apparent inconsistency.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Upset and hurt, she requests an explanation.

The New York Times - Books

"Those are fees incurred for requesting an explanation of your fees".

The New Yorker

If García's management aren't already requesting an explanation from the PGA Tour, they should be.

The Guardian - Sport

While a number of left-wing politicians requested an explanation for the shift, it received little additional attention.

The Washington Post

The Federal Eye has requested an explanation from the group and will update this blog to clarify the methodology if possible.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "request an explanation", be specific about what you need clarified. Vague requests can lead to unhelpful or incomplete responses.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "request an explanation" in casual settings might sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "can you explain?" or "what's up with that?" to maintain a natural tone with friends or colleagues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request an explanation" primarily functions as a verb phrase, acting as the predicate in a sentence. It expresses the act of formally asking for clarification or a detailed account. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from seeking reasons for policy changes to inquiring about discrepancies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "request an explanation" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for formally seeking clarification or justification. As per Ludwig, it's deemed correct and appears across diverse contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility. While "ask for clarification" or "seek an explanation" offer similar meanings, the choice depends on the desired tone. When writing, be mindful of the setting and consider simpler alternatives in casual conversations to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for clarification

Focuses on seeking clarity rather than a detailed account.

seek an explanation

Emphasizes the act of searching for a reason or justification.

demand an explanation

Implies a more forceful request, suggesting a right or expectation.

inquire about the reasons

More formal and indirect way of asking for an explanation.

solicit a rationale

Suggests seeking a logical basis or justification.

call for an account

Similar to demanding, but emphasizes accountability.

press for details

Focuses on obtaining specific information that explains something.

look for the reasons why

Emphasizes the search for underlying causes.

ask the reason

Simplified and direct way to request why something occurred.

desire an account

Expresses a wish to receive an account of something.

FAQs

How can I use "request an explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "request an explanation" to formally ask for clarification or justification, as in "I'd like to request an explanation for the changes to the budget."

What's a more informal way to "request an explanation"?

Instead of "request an explanation", you could "ask for clarification" or simply say "can you explain it?" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "request an explanation"?

It's appropriate to "request an explanation" in formal settings like business correspondence, academic discussions, or official inquiries where clarity and detail are important.

Is "request an explanation" the same as "demand an explanation"?

No, "request an explanation" is a polite inquiry, while "demand an explanation" implies a right or expectation to receive an answer, often in response to something perceived as wrong or inappropriate.