seeking explanations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking explanations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of looking for reasons or clarifications about a particular topic or situation. Example: "In the meeting, we were seeking explanations for the recent changes in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"They're an easy way out for people seeking explanations for complex things.

The New York Times - Sports

PARIS — Some people are seeking explanations for the global economic crisis.

The New York Times

In seeking explanations for the career frustrations of prominent female directors, why not try looking closer to home?

The New York Times

According to senior administration officials, Mr. Powell has been seeking explanations from the C.I.A. about that episode and others.

The New York Times

Without question, this massive empiricism has been valuable, indispensable indeed, to those seeking explanations of social structures and processes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Times of India) Following a public interest litigation filed by advocate Girish Das, the court is seeking explanations from various state and central agencies regarding the incident.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Mr. Rangel, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Wambua and Mr. Andrews did not return phone calls seeking explanation.

The New York Times

Mendonca and Johnson (1994) Seeking explanation & checking confirmation, explanation of unclear point, restatement, providing opinions, suggestions and correction.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Analysts who still cover the Internet direct-marketing outfits avoided calls seeking explanation for the market yawn.

Forbes

Mendonca & Johnson, (1994) Questions such as seeking explanation and comprehension check, explanation of unclear points, opinion and content, restatement, suggestion and grammar correction.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Literacy, consent seeking, explanation of medication, consent seeking and encouragement to ask questions were all statistically significantly associated with perceived quality of ANC services (i.e. p < 0.05).

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or scientific writing, framing a research question as "seeking explanations" can clearly define the study's purpose and scope.

Common error

Avoid using "seeking explanations" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it may sound overly formal. Simpler phrases like "trying to understand" or "looking for reasons" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking explanations" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe the action of actively searching for reasons, causes, or justifications. Ludwig examples show it in contexts ranging from scientific research to political analysis. It often introduces a clause specifying the subject matter for which explanations are being sought.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seeking explanations" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of actively searching for reasons or clarifications. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The examples found by Ludwig underscore its applicability in scenarios requiring careful analysis and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searching for reasons

Implies a broad and general attempt to discover causes or motivations.

exploring the rationale

Emphasizes examining the underlying logic or reasoning behind something.

looking for justifications

Focuses on finding reasons to defend or support a particular action or belief.

investigating the causes

Focuses on a systematic inquiry into the origins or reasons behind something.

trying to understand why

Highlights the attempt to gain comprehension of the underlying causes or reasons.

probing for answers

Suggests a more thorough and in-depth search for solutions or clarifications.

in pursuit of understanding

Emphasizes a dedicated and active quest for comprehension.

trying to figure out

Implies an informal attempt to understand something.

attempting to clarify

Stresses the effort to make something more understandable or clear.

digging for the truth

Conveys a persistent effort to uncover the actual facts or reasons.

FAQs

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

You can use "seeking explanations" to describe the act of looking for reasons or clarifications. For example: "The researchers were "seeking explanations" for the unexpected results."

What's a more informal way to say "seeking explanations"?

Informal alternatives to "seeking explanations" include "trying to understand", "looking for reasons", or "figuring out".

Is "seeking explanations" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "seeking explanations" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts where a thorough understanding is required. It is more formal than alternatives such as "trying to understand" or "looking for reasons".

What's the difference between "seeking explanations" and "providing explanations"?

"Seeking explanations" refers to the act of searching for reasons or justifications, while "providing explanations" means offering those reasons or justifications. They are opposite actions.