request
B1Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to ask for something politely or formally
a thing that is asked for; an instance of formally asking for something
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries a polite or formal tone compared to 'ask'. Implies an expectation that the request will be considered or fulfilled.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Minor syntactic preference: In formal UK English, 'request that + subject + subjunctive' (I request that he be informed) is slightly more common, while US usage often accepts the indicative in less formal contexts (I request that he is informed).
Connotations
Formal/polite connotation is consistent in both variants.
Frequency
Highly frequent in both varieties with near-identical usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
request something (from/of somebody)request somebody to do somethingrequest that + clause (often subjunctive)by/on requestVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “available on request”
- “by popular request”
- “at the request of”
- “a tall order/request (informal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for formal asks: 'We request your immediate attention to this invoice.'
Academic
Used formally: 'The author requests further data to substantiate the claim.'
Everyday
Polite asking: 'I'd like to request a window seat, please.'
Technical
Specific in computing: 'The server processes each HTTP request.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The council denied the planning request.
- A catalogue is available on request.
- At his request, the meeting was postponed.
American English
- We submitted a formal request for proposal (RFP).
- She made a special request for a late checkout.
- The software handles thousands of requests per second.
verb
British English
- I request the pleasure of your company at the dinner.
- Guests are requested not to smoke in the bedrooms.
- The committee requested further clarification from the minister.
American English
- I'd like to request a copy of the transcript.
- You must request permission before accessing the files.
- The client requested we expedite the shipment.
adjective
British English
- The request line was busy for hours.
- Please use the request form provided.
American English
- She hummed a request tune for the radio show.
- Click the request button to proceed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I request a glass of water, please.
- He made a request for help.
- The teacher listened to my request.
- Could I request a vegetarian meal on the flight?
- We sent a request to the city council.
- Your request has been approved.
- The journalist formally requested access to the documents.
- They submitted a written request for funding.
- The court is unlikely to grant such an unusual request.
- The delegate requested that the vote be postponed until a consensus could be reached.
- The architect's design was a bold departure from the client's initial request for a traditional structure.
- Servers are configured to handle concurrent requests efficiently.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-QUEST = asking again (RE) for something you QUEST (seek) after.
Conceptual Metaphor
REQUESTING IS A TRANSACTION (You submit/receive/grant/deny a request). REQUESTING IS A JOURNEY (The request goes through channels).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'require' (требовать). 'Request' is asking politely; 'require' is needing something as essential. Avoid calquing 'make a request' as *'делать запрос' in all contexts; 'запрос' is often 'query' or 'demand'. Use 'обращаться с просьбой' for the verb.
Common Mistakes
- *I requested for a brochure. (Correct: I requested a brochure.)
- *She requested him some help. (Correct: She requested some help from him / She requested that he help.)
- Mixing up 'request' (polite ask) and 'require' (need/necessitate).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'request' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is more formal than 'ask for'. In everyday conversation, 'ask for' is more common, but 'request' is standard in business, official, and polite contexts.
'Request' means to ask for something politely. 'Require' means to need something or make it necessary. 'The law requires a licence' (it's necessary). 'I request a licence' (I am asking for one).
As a verb, no. 'Request' is a transitive verb: 'I request information' (not *for information). As a noun, 'for' can follow in phrases like 'a request for help'.
Common patterns: 1) request + noun (request assistance). 2) request + that + clause (often subjunctive: request that she leave). 3) request + noun + from/of + person (request a reply from the manager).
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