seek an explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'seek an explanation' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence like this: "She was unhappy with the decision, so she decided to seek an explanation from her manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead they seek an explanation.

The New York Times

She decided to stop playing to seek an explanation.

The New York Times

The diplomatic message will "express our concern for this incident" and seek an explanation, he said.

The Washington Post

Here are some of the most popular dream themes that people seek an explanation for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Immediately after the race Leclerc said he would seek an explanation from his team.

The Guardian - Sport

Their families then donated the brains largely to seek an explanation for their behavior.

The New York Times - Sports

After Torre told Knoblauch that he was not starting in Game 2, Knoblauch did not seek an explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

They are also expected to seek an explanation for why she wanted videos of those sessions destroyed.

The Guardian

If baffled colleagues seek an explanation, they can find it on his Facebook page, where he assiduously explains every vote.

The New York Times

Backstage, Rei Kawakubo awaits the people who will come to congratulate her, and to seek an explanation.

The New York Times

AS OIL prices touched $89 a barrel this week, the temptation was to seek an explanation in geopolitics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek an explanation", ensure the context clearly indicates what requires explaining and from whom or where the explanation is being sought. For clarity, specify the subject matter that needs clarifying.

Common error

Avoid using "seek an explanation" in situations where the need for clarification is vague. Instead of stating simply that someone is "seeking an explanation", specify what they are trying to understand or clarify. Add extra clarification in order to minimize ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek an explanation" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action aimed at obtaining clarity or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek an explanation" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for expressing the need for clarification or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for formal and informal contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, it's beneficial to clearly state the object of explanation and from whom or where the explanation is requested to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "request clarification" or "inquire about the reason", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request clarification

Focuses more on the act of formally asking for clarification, shifting from a general search to a direct request.

inquire about the reason

Emphasizes the act of asking specifically about the underlying cause or justification.

ask for the rationale

Highlights the desire to understand the logical basis or reasoning behind something.

demand justification

Suggests a stronger stance, implying a right or need to receive a valid reason.

investigate the grounds

Focuses on a more in-depth exploration of the basis or foundation for something.

look into the causes

Shifts the focus to examining the factors that led to a particular event or situation.

probe the circumstances

Suggests a detailed examination of the surrounding conditions and factors.

find the reasoning

Emphasizes the act of discovering or uncovering the logical process behind something.

ascertain the motives

Focuses on determining the underlying intentions or purposes.

elicit a response

Highlights the attempt to draw out a reaction or answer that provides insight.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek an explanation" to indicate an attempt to find reasons or clarification for something. For example: "The committee decided to "seek an explanation" for the budget shortfall from the finance director."

What's a more formal way to say "seek an explanation"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "request clarification" or "inquire about the reason" to convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

Is it ever appropriate to use "demand an explanation" instead of "seek an explanation"?

While both phrases involve a request for clarification, "demand an explanation" implies a stronger sense of entitlement or dissatisfaction. Use "demand" when there's a perceived right to an answer or when expressing disapproval. Use "seek an explanation" when the intention is primarily to understand.

What are some common situations where people might "seek an explanation"?

People might "seek an explanation" in various situations, such as after receiving an unexpected bill, when a policy change is announced, or when trying to understand scientific phenomena.