I have a request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have a request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone for something or make a formal appeal. Example: "I have a request: could you please send me the report by the end of the day?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Finally, I have a request.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Feel free to ignore this, but I have a request.

The Guardian - Travel

So I have a request for proponents of unlimited access to guns.

The New York Times

So, I have a request of the media: enough with the puns.

The New York Times

However, he later expressed misgivings, telling Spiegel magazine: "I have a request- that my client makes the information public.

Independent

Stick with Door 1 or switch to Door 2? Before I tell you the answer, I have a request.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Then I had a request from the bank for a meeting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Last week I had a request to stage a play version of Bugsy Malone from a school in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Guardian - Film

"I had a request from China to do a full emerald watch but the order has not been confirmed," Mr. Pitteloud said.

The New York Times

"When I first started out, I had a request from someone to take their dog to the dog park and let it run around for four hours," Ms. Van Zant recalled.

The New York Times

I had a request in for about a year to photograph 'Law and Order' in Russia, working for The Sunday Times Magazine.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional emails, use this phrase as a transition sentence to move from the opening greeting to the core objective of the message.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase and then ending the sentence without clarifying the request in the very next thought. Leaving the recipient in suspense can create unnecessary anxiety or lead to a prompt for clarification that wastes time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have a request" functions as a declarative sentence serving as a pre-announcement. According to Ludwig AI, it establishes the speaker's intent before delivering the actual content of the ask, acting as a conversational 'buffer'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I have a request" is a foundational component of effective English communication. Ludwig's data demonstrates its widespread utility across prestigious platforms like The New York Times and The Guardian, as well as within academic discourse. Whether used to lead into a political plea or a technical feature request on TechCrunch, the phrase remains a stable and 'Correct' choice as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is best utilized when followed immediately by clear instructions or information, ensuring the transition from the 'announcement' of the request to the 'content' of the request is seamless and professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would like to make a request

Adds a layer of formal politeness suitable for professional settings.

I am writing to request

Specifically tailored for formal correspondence or emails.

I have a special request

Indicates that the following ask is out of the ordinary or prioritized.

May I make a request?

Phrases the statement as a polite question to seek permission first.

I have a favor to ask

Shifts the tone to a more personal or informal context.

There is something I would like to ask

A more indirect and softer opening to a conversation.

Could I ask for your help?

Frames the request as a direct appeal for assistance.

I have an appeal for you

Often used in the context of asking for help or support from a group.

I have a plea to make

Increases the emotional urgency or gravity of the situation.

I have a suggestion

Changes the intent from asking for something to offering an idea.

FAQs

How do I use "I have a request" in a sentence?

You can use it as an introductory clause, for example: "I have a request: please ensure the documents are signed by Friday."

What can I say instead of "I have a request"?

You can use alternatives like "<a href="/s/I+have+a+favor+to+ask" target="_blank" rel="alternative">I have a favor to ask", "<a href="/s/I+would+like+to+ask" target="_blank" rel="alternative">I would like to ask", or "<a href="/s/I'm+making+a+plea" target="_blank" rel="alternative">I'm making a plea" depending on the context.

Is it more polite to say "I have a request" or "I have a favor to ask"?

"I have a request" is generally more neutral and professional, while "<a href="/s/I+have+a+favor+to+ask" target="_blank" rel="alternative">I have a favor to ask" implies a personal benefit and is common among friends or close colleagues.

Can I use "I have a request" in a formal email?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. For even higher formality, you might try "<a href="/s/I+would+like+to+make+a+request" target="_blank" rel="alternative">I would like to make a request".