Could I request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Could I request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to politely ask for something or make a formal request. Example: "Could I request a copy of the report by the end of the day?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If I could, I would request an edition of "The Artist's Way" that speaks to twentysomethings, who've grown up online and then entered the so-called freelance economy, wherein workers are more likely to cobble together a piecemeal career of diverse gigs than secure nine-to-five jobs with benefits and opportunities for growth.

The New Yorker

If I could request my favorite storyline, I'd choose the storm-trooper launch sequence with the Tatooine pod race (the inspiration for the Star Tours reboot), the Yoda emergency transmission and the Naboo finale.

Los Angeles Times

While Pig Heaven advertised only "home-style eggplant", the waitress assured me I could request black bean sauce, prompting me to order off the menu like the bawss that I am.

HuffPost

1968, a 165 lbs PhD at conference at a medical school, they said I could request my special diet (no carbs) because the co-sponsor was their nutrition department.

Harvard University

If I felt unsafe as a passenger, I could also request that the driver take over the vehicle, or press a button on a screen facing the back seat that would end the ride.

The New York Times - Tech

There would be great comfort in knowing that I could legally request and receive a prescription for aid-in-dying medication that I could take to end my life peacefully, at home, if my suffering becomes unbearable.

Huffington Post

I couldn't fathom it, so I requested an itemized bill ― a habit I picked up after hearing horror stories of new mothers being charged outrageously in labor and delivery.

Huffington Post

I couldn't even request that they delay my marriage so I could finish my education," Mamata told us.

Huffington Post

Had I known ahead of time, I could have requested Newman's Own Low Fat Balsamic Dressing with only 40 calories and 3 grams of fat in the entire packet.

The New York Times - Health

They had a further request; could I leave my phone on all night and could they call back at any time as it was a very serious situation?

The Guardian

When I'd finished digitally detailing my health history, the final screen seemed to mock me with one last request: Could I please acknowledge that I'd received a copy of the office's privacy practices?

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Could I request" be direct about what you want. For example, "Could I request a meeting with you sometime next week?".

Common error

Avoid using "Could I request" in casual conversations with friends or family. It can sound overly formal and stilted. Use a more relaxed phrasing like "Can I ask for..." or "Could you please..." instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Could I request" functions as a polite interrogative used to introduce a request. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is both correct and usable in English. It sets a tone of respect and deference, making it suitable for formal settings.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Academia

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Wiki

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Could I request" is a grammatically correct and polite way to make a formal request. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While very common in formal writing, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly stilted. Alternatives such as "May I request" or "I would like to request" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Remember that choosing the right phrase depends on the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

May I request

More formal and polite.

Might I request

Very formal and somewhat archaic.

Would it be possible to request

Indirect and very polite, emphasizing possibility.

Is there any chance I could request

Expresses uncertainty and politeness.

I wonder if I could request

Indirect and polite, showing consideration.

Is it alright if I request

Checks for permission before making the request.

I was hoping to request

Implies a prior desire and softens the request.

I would like to request

A straightforward and polite way to express a request.

I am requesting

Direct and formal, suitable for official communication.

Can I ask for

Informal and direct.

FAQs

How to use "Could I request" in a sentence?

Use "Could I request" when you want to politely ask for something or make a formal request. For example, "Could I request a copy of the report by the end of the day?"

What can I say instead of "Could I request"?

You can use alternatives like "May I request", "I would like to request", or "Can I ask for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Could I request" or "Can I request"?

"Could I request" is more polite and formal, while "Can I request" is more informal. Choose the appropriate phrase based on the situation and your relationship with the person you're addressing.

What's the difference between "Could I request" and "I request"?

"Could I request" is a polite question, while "I request" is a direct statement. Using "Could I request" softens the request and shows respect for the other person.