I earnestly request

USAGE SUMMARY

'I earnestly request' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to politely and strongly express a request when you feel that it is important. For example: "I earnestly request that you take steps to address the ongoing health and safety concerns of our employees as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I earnestly request the police to protect my family, and not allow them to come under further outside harassment".

Independent

We have, however, succeeded in securing the friendship of the Governors of the frontier states and are now on the eve of incurring the their enmity, on account of the band of robbers who are permitted to abuse the Hospitality of Texas … I earnestly request the Department to appoint a person to succeed me who may have more influence … with the military at Brownsville.

The New York Times

I earnestly request everyone to return to their families," Li said in his first public comments on the protests.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even the stewards are extravagantly nice, and a notice in the festival bookshop reads more like an apology than a warning: "We earnestly request you to pay before leaving".

The Guardian - Books

"The Russian Soccer Union and national team earnestly request that all genuine fans work to prevent the provocations of hooligans and cooperate fully with the organizers of matches in questions of security," the Russian Soccer Union said in a statement this week.

The New York Times - Sports

And if you have wronged other people (as opposed to God), repentance requires that you personally approach those you've wronged to earnestly request forgiveness, or the Yom Kippur holiday is powerless to grant atonement on behalf of God.

Huffington Post

Good behavior is expected in return, and the only written instruction is the gentle admonishment, "Visitors are earnestly requested not to take away any of the exhibits".

The New York Times

Vatican sources said the pope decided the candidate should be "earnestly requested" to resign only late on Saturday, after reading a dossier that had apparently been sent from Warsaw in late December.

The Economist

It is earnestly requested that every one who intends to participate in this meeting will send his name, together with the number of ladies and gentlemen in his party, at as early a date as possible, to Dr. Persifor Frazer, Secretary of the Committee on Invitations and Receptions, 201, South Fifth Street, Philadelphia.

Nature

If life, limb or the chances of ever being employed are at risk, or if one's opinion has been earnestly requested, okay -- but even then, it's important to emphasize the positive aspects of the outfit, haircut, project or latest friend, and tread carefully with the negative.

Huffington Post

The Vatican confirmed the announcement in its own one-sentence statement, citing a church canon that "earnestly" requests the resignation of a bishop "who has become less able to fulfill his office because of ill health or some other grave cause".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I earnestly request", ensure your tone remains respectful, even though you are emphasizing the importance of your request. This phrase is most effective when addressing someone in authority or when the situation warrants a serious and sincere appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "I earnestly request" in casual conversations or informal correspondence. Its formality can sound overly dramatic or insincere in such settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "please" or "I'd appreciate it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I earnestly request" functions as a performative utterance, specifically to make a formal request. As indicated by Ludwig, it serves to politely and strongly express a request. It signals a serious and sincere appeal.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science & Research

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I earnestly request" is a formal phrase used to convey a sincere and important request. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While effective in professional and formal settings, it's best avoided in casual conversations where its formality can feel out of place. Alternatives such as "I kindly request" or "I sincerely request" may be suitable depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. The phrase is most frequently found in news media and formal business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I kindly request

Subtle difference in tone; "kindly" emphasizes politeness, while "earnestly" emphasizes sincerity.

I sincerely request

"Sincerely" focuses on the genuineness of the request, similar to "earnestly".

I humbly request

"Humbly" adds a sense of deference and respect.

I urgently request

"Urgently" highlights the time-sensitive nature of the request.

I respectfully request

"Respectfully" emphasizes politeness and acknowledgment of authority.

I strongly request

"Strongly" conveys the importance and insistence of the request.

I implore you

A more dramatic and emotional way to make a request.

I appeal to you

Suggests a formal or legal context for the request.

I entreat you

A somewhat archaic and highly formal way to make a request.

I ask that you please

More direct and less formal, focusing on the action requested.

FAQs

What does "I earnestly request" mean?

The phrase "I earnestly request" signifies a sincere and serious request. The word "earnestly" emphasizes the importance and genuineness of the request being made.

When is it appropriate to use "I earnestly request"?

It is appropriate to use "I earnestly request" in formal situations, when addressing someone in authority, or when the matter is of significant importance. It's suitable for written communication like letters or emails, as well as formal speeches.

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

You can use alternatives like "I kindly request", "I sincerely request", or "I respectfully request" depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "I earnestly request" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "I earnestly request" is generally too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler phrases like "please", "I'd appreciate it", or "could you" are more appropriate for informal settings.