seek clarification from

USAGE SUMMARY

'seek clarification from' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you need additional information from someone in order to understand a particular concept. Example: If I don't understand what my professor is explaining, I will seek clarification from her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

The Department for Education declined to comment on the controversy, though it is likely to seek clarification from the school.

The Guardian

After each skit, ask students to volunteer their answers from the chart or seek clarification from the group which is presenting.

The New York Times

A spokesman for Hunt told the ABC that his department would "seek clarification" from Adani on the issues raised by the EJA report.

The Guardian - Business

"We have worked extremely hard to seek clarification from the NLA and its solicitors on the legal basis for either NewsNow or our customers requiring a licence.

The Guardian

A Google spokesman said that the company would seek clarification from Apple but that Google did not know of any developers whose ads had been blocked by Apple.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Instead we continue to seek clarifications from the Chinese authorities".

The Guardian

Gabriella Augustsson, head of diplomacy for the Swedish embassy in Beijing said: Sweden is continuing to "seek clarifications from the Chinese authorities.

Independent

I sought clarification from Mr. Craft.

The New York Times - Arts

"We are seeking clarification from him".

The Guardian - Sport

I sought clarification from the Vatican spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek clarification from", ensure the context clearly indicates who the clarification is being sought from and about what specific issue. This avoids ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using alternative prepositions such as "to" or "with" instead of "from" after "seek clarification". The correct structure is always "seek clarification from" to denote the source of the clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek clarification from" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of requesting further explanation or details from a specified source. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek clarification from" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that indicates requesting further information to enhance understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to reduce ambiguity and obtain precise details. When using the phrase, specify the source of clarification to avoid confusion. Related phrases include "request explanation from" and "ask for details from". Although versatile, it's important to avoid incorrect preposition usage, sticking to "seek clarification from" rather than alternatives like "to" or "with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request explanation from

Replaces "clarification" with "explanation", emphasizing the need for a detailed account.

obtain clarification from

Replaces "seek" with "obtain", which suggests a more active role in getting the clarification.

seek further information from

Specifically indicates the need for more information than is currently available.

ask for details from

Focuses on obtaining specific pieces of information rather than a general understanding.

inquire about clarification from

Adds a layer of formality by using "inquire about" instead of "seek".

solicit clarification from

Uses "solicit" to imply a formal request for clarification.

consult with for clarification

Emphasizes the act of consulting with someone to gain clarity.

get more information from

A more general way to express the need for additional information.

check with for clarification

Implies a quick verification or confirmation of understanding.

ascertain clarification from

The act of finding something out for certain.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek clarification from" when you want someone to provide additional information or explain something more clearly. For example, "The manager decided to "seek clarification from" the team regarding the project's objectives".

What's a more formal alternative to "seek clarification from"?

A more formal alternative could be "request an explanation from" or "solicit clarification from". These options add a layer of formality suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is it always necessary to specify who you're seeking clarification from?

Specifying the source of clarification enhances clarity. While not always grammatically required, it helps avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just saying "I need to seek clarification", specify "I need to "seek clarification from" the supervisor".

What is the difference between "seek clarification from" and "ask for details from"?

"Seek clarification from" implies understanding something more clearly, while "ask for details from" suggests obtaining specific pieces of information. You "seek clarification from" someone to gain a better understanding of a policy, but you "ask for details from" someone to learn more about a specific event.