requesting explanations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "requesting explanations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to provide clarifications or details about a particular topic or situation. Example: "In our meeting, I will be requesting explanations 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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

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

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using "requesting explanations" to clearly indicate that you are seeking a detailed account or clarification of something.

Common error

Avoid using "requesting explanations" when a simple question would suffice. This phrase is best suited for situations where a thorough and reasoned response is expected, not just a quick answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "requesting explanations" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun. It describes the act of formally seeking clarifications or reasons, as Ludwig AI confirms. In sentences, it can act as a subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "requesting explanations" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase commonly used to formally seek clarification or justification. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's particularly prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts. While "asking for reasons" serves as a close alternative, "requesting explanations" carries a more formal tone. When writing, it's important to use this phrase when a detailed and reasoned response is expected, avoiding it for simple inquiries. The phrase appears frequently across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its reliability and appropriate use in formal or professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asking for reasons

Focuses on the act of asking, emphasizing the need for reasons behind something.

seeking justifications

Implies a more formal or critical approach, looking for valid justifications.

demanding clarifications

Conveys a stronger sense of entitlement or urgency in getting clarifications.

inquiring about rationale

Focuses specifically on the underlying rationale or reasoning.

soliciting accounts

Indicates a request for detailed accounts or narratives.

pursuing elucidations

Suggests actively pursuing clear and detailed elucidations.

looking for a rationale

Implies that a rationale is needed.

wanting an account

The account of something happened is expected to follow.

obtaining details

Refers to getting detailed information or specifics.

ascertaining causes

Specifically seeks to identify the causes or reasons behind something.

FAQs

How can I use "requesting explanations" in a sentence?

You can use "requesting explanations" to indicate a formal demand for clarification. For example, "The committee is requesting explanations for the budget overruns."

What's a formal alternative to "requesting explanations"?

A formal alternative could be "seeking justifications", which implies a need for valid reasons or evidence.

Is it better to say "requesting explanations" or "asking for explanations"?

"Requesting explanations" carries a more formal tone than "asking for explanations". The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

When should I use "requesting explanations" instead of simply asking a question?

Use "requesting explanations" when you expect a detailed, reasoned, and comprehensive response, rather than a simple or brief answer. It implies a need for more than just basic information.