urgent explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "urgent explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or emphasizing the need for a prompt clarification or justification regarding a matter of importance. Example: "I need an urgent explanation for the delay in the project timeline, as it is affecting our overall schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Tories also demanded an urgent explanation of what went wrong with the ballot system.

The Guardian

And it demanded an urgent explanation of how quickly the Department would plug significant gaps in project expertise.

Independent

Once again, Lost in Showbiz contemplates paging Jimmy Carr's tax accountant, in search of an urgent explanation for a forthcoming work of British cinema.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nigeria's president, Goodluck Jonathan, owes an urgent explanation to people living under a state of emergency while attacks increase, the governor said.

The Guardian

Why did Soca not give all the physical evidence in the form of the original hard drives to the Met? "The Yard and Soca need to provide an urgent explanation as to why the latter is still sitting on a bank of data that any decent police investigator would require to do a proper job".

Independent

But Jeremy Corbyn, who is expected to be elected Labour leader on Saturday, has written to the Prime Minister demanding an "urgent explanation" and Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake has asked the Speaker of the House of Commons to grant an Urgent Question in a bid to quiz the Government over the legal basis.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In the row behind me, a six-year-old named Little Liu spent most of the time standing up, asking his grandmother for urgent explanations.

The New Yorker

A Labour source said the party would be seeking an "urgent parliamentary explanation" over the case.

BBC

For Ms. Ding, whose 17-year-old son, Jiang Jielian, was killed in the assault, the new deaths point to an urgent need for explanations from the government of what happened nearly a quarter-century ago.

The New York Times

For others, that moment came with crises, such as the collapse of a relationship and the urgent need to get explanations as to why life and love had been so difficult.

The Guardian - Opinion

He points to last year's "disaster winter" and says that there is no obvious explanation for the urgent care crisis at the time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "urgent explanation", ensure the context clearly indicates why the explanation is needed promptly. This emphasizes the importance and encourages a faster response.

Common error

Avoid using "urgent explanation" when the situation doesn't genuinely require immediate clarification. Overuse can diminish its impact and create a false sense of panic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "urgent explanation" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., demand, need, require). It functions to describe a request or demand for a clarification or justification that is needed quickly. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "urgent explanation" functions as a noun phrase that conveys the need for immediate clarification or justification. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While commonly found in news and media, its usage extends to scientific and formal business contexts as well. When writing, it's best to use "urgent explanation" when a situation genuinely requires an immediate response, otherwise, it can lose its impact. Alternatives such as "immediate clarification" or "prompt justification" can be used based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent account

Highlights the urgent nature of the account or explanation.

prompt clarification

Focuses on the speed of the needed clarification.

immediate clarification

Focuses on the need for clarity right away.

immediate justification

Stresses the immediacy of the required justification.

prompt justification

Emphasizes the need for a quick reason or defense.

expedited explanation

Highlights the desire for a faster processing of the explanation.

expedited account

Highlights the desire for a faster version of the story/explanation.

hasty rationale

Suggests a quick and possibly less detailed explanation.

rapid elucidation

Implies a need for swift and clear explanation.

quick detailing

Focuses on providing details rapidly.

FAQs

How to use "urgent explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "urgent explanation" when you need an immediate clarification for a situation, for example: "The board demands an "urgent explanation" regarding the financial losses."

What can I say instead of "urgent explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "immediate clarification", "prompt justification", or "expedited account" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "urgent explanation" or "urgently explain"?

"Urgent explanation" is a noun phrase, while "urgently explain" is a verb phrase. Use "urgent explanation" when you need a noun (e.g., "We need an urgent explanation"), and "urgently explain" when you need a verb (e.g., "Please urgently explain the situation").

What's the difference between "urgent explanation" and "detailed explanation"?

"Urgent explanation" emphasizes the need for speed, while "detailed explanation" focuses on the thoroughness and completeness of the information provided. The choice depends on whether time or detail is more critical in the given situation.