seek clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

"seek clarification" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to ask for more information on something that is unclear or not understood. For example: "I'm not sure I fully understand; could you please seek clarification from the author of the article?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Repeated phone calls to the I.S.U. to seek clarification were not returned.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are making a good-faith attempt to seek clarification on the issue of commingling.

The New York Times

We will seek clarification and publish the outcome once we get it.

The Guardian

Mr. Bush's position concerned Lord Robertson, leading him to seek clarification from Bush aides.

The New York Times

Thomas said he was writing to the health secretary, Andrew Lansley, to seek clarification.

The Guardian

It is on these initiatives that Ouseley, Crooks and their colleagues will seek clarification today.

The Guardian - Sport

Purdy began a campaign to seek clarification of the current law on assisted suicide.

Independent

A panel of judges may seek clarification or may rest, turning over the ethical question to an opposing team.

The New York Times

Prospects looked bleak this morning after Russia asked council members to return to consultations and seek clarification of Lebanon's complaints.

The New York Times

Mr. Huebner and Ms. O'Neill reiterated that their sole intention for filing the appeal was to seek clarification.

The New York Times - Sports

Johnson and Emmerson also placed calls to Treasury director Stuart Glassborow to seek clarification or check points of fact.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal correspondence, "seek clarification" is a polite and professional way to request additional details without implying the original information was inadequate.

Common error

While "seek clarification" is appropriate in formal settings, using it too often in casual conversations can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can you explain that again?" or "what do you mean?" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek clarification" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its primary grammatical role is to express an action – the act of trying to obtain a clearer understanding of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek clarification" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to formally request more information or a clearer understanding. It's prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To ensure effective communication, be specific in your request and adjust the tone to match the context. Remember, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings. Using the phrase correctly enhances professionalism and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the issue

Focuses on making the issue clearer or more understandable.

request explanation

Focuses on asking for an explanation rather than simply more clarity.

obtain elaboration

Emphasizes getting a more thorough or detailed account.

ask for specifics

Directly requests particular details.

solicit details

Implies a more active pursuit of specific information.

ascertain the meaning

Highlights the effort to determine the precise meaning or intention.

get further information

A broader term that covers seeking any kind of additional information, not just clarification.

pursue understanding

Suggests an ongoing effort to gain comprehension.

investigate further

Implies a more in-depth examination to resolve uncertainty.

look into the matter

Signifies taking steps to understand a situation or issue better.

FAQs

How can I use "seek clarification" in a sentence?

You can use "seek clarification" when you need further details or a better understanding of something. For example, "I will "seek clarification" from the manager regarding the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "seek clarification"?

Alternatives include "request explanation", "obtain elaboration", or "ask for specifics" depending on the context.

Is it better to "seek clarification" or "ask for details"?

"Seek clarification" is generally used when something is unclear or confusing, while "ask for details" is used when you need more specific information. The choice depends on whether you need to understand something better or simply need more information.

When is it appropriate to use "seek clarification" in professional writing?

It's appropriate to use "seek clarification" in formal emails, reports, or any professional communication where you need to understand something more clearly. It's a polite and professional way to request more information.