Sometimes, things happen that we would like explained and we must demand explanations. For example, if you have just bought a new computer and there is a problem. Read on below to see some examples of questions you can use to demand an explanation and how you can form them.
There are a number of formulas used when demanding explanations in English. Here are some of the most common:
- Can you tell me why…
- I don’t understand why…
- Can you explain why..
Construction
Can you tell me why it has taken you so long to respond?
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Use ‘Can you tell me why’ a full clause in the positive statement form. Notice that this is an indirect question and requires a question mark (?). |
I don’t understand why it has taken you so long to respond. | Use ‘I don’t understand why’ a full clause in the positive statement form. Notice that this is a statement and does NOT require a question mark (?) |
Can you explain why it has taken you so long to respond? | Use ‘Can you explain why’ a full clause in the positive statement form. Notice that this is an indirect question and requires a question mark (?). |
Quiz time!
the “Demanding Explanations” quiz
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank from the options given.
You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%.
Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%
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