A small request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A small request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to politely ask someone for a minor favor or task. Example: "I have a small request; could you please help me with this document?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A small request, then: more chiles all around.

The New York Times - Food

It started with a small request.

Independent

Walker approached Garber with a small request.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a small request: there'll be time enough after it's over.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Pingtest.net, the user's PC sends a small request to distant servers and then computes the average time to receive a response.

The New York Times - Tech

"Excuse me, Begum Sahib, may I trouble you with a small request?" "Of course," she said, touching him lightly on the shoulder.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In fact, some members of the delegation have already begun to pick apart the Pataki plan, trying to shape a smaller request that would finance projects directly related to the terrorist attacks and that would be easier to sell on Capitol Hill.

The New York Times

Sales people use "foot in the door" techniques by asking for a small innocuous request to begin with ("just one click to see which tweet got retweeted") and escalate from there ("why don't you stay awhile?").

Huffington Post

As Google details in its blog post, that pause was due to Google Voice making a small data request to Google's servers whenever you initiated a call, which would return the number the application was supposed to dial.

TechCrunch

A paragraph in the letter reads: I have one small request to all of you.

The New York Times

This is no small request".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A small request" to soften the impact of your request and make it more approachable. Avoid using it for demands or tasks that are clearly significant.

Common error

Avoid using "A small request" when the task involved is actually quite large or time-consuming. This mismatch can undermine your credibility and frustrate the person being asked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A small request" functions as a polite introduction to a minor inquiry or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it leading into a sentence where the request is specified.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A small request" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a minor task or inquiry politely. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for various contexts. It’s most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, signaling its widespread applicability. When using this phrase, be mindful of accurately representing the actual effort involved in the request to maintain credibility and avoid misleading the person being asked. Alternatives like "a minor favor" or "a quick ask" can be used for subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A minor favor

Focuses on the act of doing a favor that is not too big.

A little favor

Similar to "a minor favor", but uses "little" to emphasize the insignificance of the request.

A quick ask

Emphasizes the speed and simplicity of the request.

A simple request

Highlights the straightforward nature of the request.

A brief favor

Implies the favor won't take much time.

A tiny favor

Underscores the minimal effort required.

A slight request

Indicates that the request is not burdensome.

A small favor to ask

Adds the element of asking permission to request.

Can I ask a small favor?

Directly asks if a small favor can be requested.

I have a small favor to ask

States the intention to ask for a minor favor.

FAQs

How can I use "A small request" in a sentence?

You can use "A small request" to introduce a minor favor or task you're asking someone to do. For example: "I have "a small request"; could you proofread this email?"

What can I say instead of "A small request"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor favor", "a quick ask", or "a simple request" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "A small request"?

It's appropriate when you need to ask someone for a minor task or favor that doesn't require much effort. It's a polite way to preface your request.

Is it misleading to use "A small request" for a big favor?

Yes, it can be misleading. Using "A small request" for a task that's actually significant can undermine your credibility and potentially offend the person you're asking. It's best to use accurate language that reflects the actual effort involved.