I have one request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have one request" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express a polite or formal request for something specific. Example: "I have one request before we begin the meeting. Can we please make sure to stay on topic and stick to the agenda?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

As the United Nations General Assembly meets this week to strategize on how to tackle some of the world's most pressing issues, I have one request: put maternal health supplies on the agenda.

Huffington Post

On behalf of those kids crossing the Mombasa highway, I have one request: don't blow it.

The Guardian

"I will take you to Brooklyn," he said, "but I have one request.

The New York Times

I have one request of the sponsors: please stop using builders' spec houses.

The New York Times

I have one request for Audi.

TechCrunch

However, given that your piece encouraged open and honest dialogue, I have one request.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I said I had one request - send me back to my home.

The Guardian

I had one request, and that was for tailored shirts.

Huffington Post

But if I were the Mittster, I would have one request of my staff: Get me Poulter!

The New Yorker

I just have one request -- quit beating up on monogamy.

Huffington Post

"I only have one request, Your Honor," Daniel Petrocelli, Skilling's lawyer, said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have one request", follow it immediately with the specific request to maintain clarity and directness.

Common error

Avoid making the request vague or unclear after stating "I have one request". Be direct and specific about what you need.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have one request" functions as an introductory statement to a specific ask or plea. It prefaces a single, often important, point that the speaker or writer wants to convey, as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I have one request" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. Functioning as a direct introduction to a specific ask, it serves the purpose of setting a clear expectation for a single, focused plea. Its usage spans from news media and formal business to academic contexts, typically maintaining a neutral to professional register. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My only request is

Focuses on limiting the number of requests to just one.

My single request is

Similar to 'My only request is' but uses 'single' for emphasis.

I would like to ask one thing

More polite and indirect in phrasing the request.

I'm asking for just one thing

Emphasizes the singularity and potential simplicity of the request.

There's only one thing I need

Highlights the necessity of the single request.

Just one thing I'd like to ask

Informal phrasing emphasizing simplicity.

If I could ask for one favor

Frames the request as a favor being asked.

One thing I must ask

Emphasizes the importance or necessity of the request.

I only ask for this

Highlights that the request is the sole thing being asked.

Here's what I'm asking

Directly introduces the request without additional preamble.

FAQs

How can I make my request sound more polite after saying "I have one request"?

You can soften the request by adding phrases like "if possible", "please", or framing it as a question. For example, "I have one request: could you please provide the data by tomorrow?"

What are some alternatives to saying "I have one request"?

You can use alternatives like "My only request is", "I would like to ask one thing", or "I'm asking for just one thing depending on the context".

Is it grammatically correct to say "I only have one request"?

Yes, "I only have one request" is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning as "I have one request", emphasizing that there is only one request being made.

How do I emphasize the importance of my request after stating "I have one request"?

You can emphasize the importance by explaining the reason behind the request immediately after stating it. For example, "I have one request: please review this document carefully, as it contains crucial information for the project."