requesting an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "requesting an explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to clarify or provide more information about a specific topic or situation. Example: "I am requesting an explanation for the delay in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Sport

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

The New Yorker

She said that neither the agency nor Chrysler, the Fiat Group subsidiary, have responded to a letter she sent requesting an explanation as well as payment.

The New York Times

When I presented myself to the rector, requesting an explanation for my non-acceptance at the Academy's school of painting, that gentleman assured me that the drawings I had submitted incontrovertibly showed my unfitness for painting.

The New Yorker

We sent a letter to Fifa straight away, requesting an explanation in very firm tones.

BBC

In March 2004, he wrote an open letter to the recently reelected official Mike Reynolds, requesting an explanation as to why the jetty at Arcadia Bay received part of a massive injection of state money whereas no state funds were allocated for the dilapidated Palm Island jetty, even though 86 per cent of the Palm Island vote went to Reynolds.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Czech foreign ministry requested an explanation and said that the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations might have been violated.

The Economist

Consequently, we are dunned a flat fee by Thames Water, one so mind-bogglingly large that I requested an explanation for how the company estimates our usage.

The Guardian - Opinion

It adds: "The head of the police department requested an explanation.... British forces admitted they mistakenly killed the deceased," the statement says.

Independent

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "requesting an explanation", be specific about what you need clarified. This helps ensure you receive a focused and relevant response.

Common error

Don't simply say "I'm requesting an explanation". Clearly state what information or actions you need explained to avoid ambiguous or unhelpful replies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "requesting an explanation" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It commonly introduces a clause expressing the act of formally asking for clarification. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "requesting an explanation" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to formally seek clarification or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts and holds a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, be specific about the information needed to ensure a focused response. Related alternatives include "asking for clarification" or "seeking an account". This analysis offers practical guidance for using "requesting an explanation" effectively in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asking for clarification

Replaces "explanation" with "clarification", focusing on making something clearer.

inquiring about the reasons

More indirect and polite, suitable for less formal situations.

seeking an account

This is a more formal way of asking for a detailed report or justification.

soliciting a rationale

Formal and implies requesting a reasoned and logical basis.

demanding a justification

Emphasizes a right or expectation to receive a valid reason.

requiring substantiation

This indicates that you want proof that a claim is valid or true.

investigating the cause

Focuses on uncovering the underlying reasons or factors.

questioning the basis

Implies you are challenging the fundamentals and require justification.

looking into the matter

Implies a deeper examination or review to understand the situation.

probing for details

Suggests a thorough and sometimes persistent search for more information.

FAQs

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

You can use "requesting an explanation" when you want to formally ask for clarification or details about something. For example: "I am requesting an explanation for the discrepancies in the report."

What's a more formal alternative to "requesting an explanation"?

A more formal alternative is "seeking clarification" or "demanding a justification", which implies a stronger expectation of a response.

Is "requesting an explanation" grammatically correct?

Yes, "requesting an explanation" is grammatically correct. It uses the gerund form of the verb "request" followed by a noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English.

What's the difference between "requesting an explanation" and "asking for an explanation"?

"Requesting an explanation" is slightly more formal than "asking for an explanation". Both phrases are acceptable, but "requesting an explanation" might be preferred in professional contexts.