request explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are asking someone to provide clarification or details about a specific topic or situation. Example: "I would like to request an explanation for the recent changes in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It did not request explanation for these alleged errors or a review of the procedures.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The bank has also refused to give the requested explanation for what they have done other than to make the usual vague references to data protection and security.

The Guardian - Money

The most obvious response is simply to provide the requested explanation.

SEP

Phyllis Richman never sent the requested explanation.

Huffington Post

The Dutch government requested explanation from Germany over the seizure of the neutral vessels and their cargoes.

Wikipedia

In a planning meeting, community leaders requested explanation of the kind of questions the children would be asked.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

At each pharmacy, the patient asked to speak with the pharmacist, requested explanation of their epinephrine autoinjector device, and asked about the use of antihistamines in anaphylaxis.

BMJ Open

The Delaware senator was, in fact, hearing what Bush's top deputies -- from cabinet members like Paul O'Neill, Christine Todd Whitman and Colin Powell to generals fighting in Iraq -- have been told for years when they requested explanations for many of the president's decisions, policies that often seemed to collide with accepted facts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Self-evaluation forms requested explanations for any modifications made to session delivery.

BMC Public Health

To that end, leaders ask open ended questions, and promote discussion by using probes such as asking for clarification, requesting explanations, and encouraging cross-talk between group members.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The State Department denied the request without explanation, said Malcolm Lazin, the forum's executive director.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "request explanation", be specific about what you need explained. This ensures you receive a relevant and helpful response.

Common error

Avoid using "request explanation" in situations where a demand is more appropriate. The phrase implies a polite inquiry, not a forceful demand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request explanation" functions as a request, specifically seeking a clarification or detailed account of something. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts where clarification is needed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "request explanation" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for seeking clarification or detailed information, as verified by Ludwig. While it appears across various contexts, it's most prevalent in news, media, and scientific domains. The phrase serves to elicit information and promote understanding. It maintains a neutral to professional tone, suitable for formal settings. For related expressions, consider alternatives such as "ask for clarification" or "seek clarification".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for clarification

Focuses on seeking clarity rather than a full explanation.

seek clarification

More formal way of saying "ask for clarification".

inquire about the reason

Emphasizes the reason behind something.

solicit an account

More formal and implies seeking a detailed report.

demand justification

Stronger term, implying a right to an explanation.

call for an explanation

Slightly more forceful than "request explanation".

seek an account

Implies seeking a formal or official explanation.

require an explanation

Indicates a need for an explanation.

ask the reason why

Directly asks for the cause or motivation.

desire an explanation

Expresses a wish to receive an explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "request explanation" to politely ask for clarification on a topic. For example, "I'd like to request an explanation for the change in policy".

What is a more formal way to say "request explanation"?

A more formal alternative is to "seek clarification" or "solicit an account".

When should I use "request explanation" versus "demand explanation"?

"Request explanation" implies a polite inquiry, while "demand explanation" suggests a stronger, more forceful need for clarification, often when one feels entitled to it.

What are some synonyms for "request explanation"?

Some synonyms include "ask for clarification", "inquire about the reason", or "require an explanation", depending on the context and desired tone.