I humbly request

USAGE SUMMARY

"I humbly request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a polite request. For example: "I humbly request that you consider my request for a leave of absence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Respected comrades, I humbly request that you now grant me permission to play our ace".

Independent

"I humbly request your intervention into the unjust revocation of the visa for my daughter and her children," he wrote.

The New Yorker

As he stood before three representatives of the families he said, "I humbly request your acceptance of my apology".

The New York Times

I humbly request that all royalty proceeds these earn be donated to medical science, for a study of why so many Americans can't find their Orwellian Bone.

The New York Times

"I humbly request to you all kindly do justice for Anuj and kindly make sure that students who come here for their studies, they have their own studies and go back to their own countries.

Independent

"I humbly request that the vice premier lead and coordinate the matter from a higher level," Ma Mingzhe, chairman of Ping An, implored in a letter to Mr. Wen that was reviewed by The New York Times.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This is a very painful time for us and I would humbly request now that members of the media respect the privacy of my boys and me as we struggle together to continue on with our lives and as I seek the wisdom of Solomon, the strength and patience of Job and the grace of God in helping to heal my family.

Huffington Post

Given their considerable talent for inspiring others, I would humbly request that David and Cleve consider shifting their attention to helping LGBT people, people with HIV/AIDS and our allies (labor, teachers, nurses) at the state and local levels survive this very difficult time while also pressing hard for full equality.

Huffington Post

I am humbly requesting you, do not meet them or your faith would suffer from an incurable cancer... Leave this place with the promise that not only will you sever all ties with the 'qadianis,' but also with anyone who sympathizes with them".

Huffington Post

"Today I give you my head and instead humbly request your assistance".

The New York Times

The kids humbly request a bigger movie theater and a chocolate milk pool.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I humbly request" when addressing someone in a position of authority or when the request is particularly important or sensitive. This phrase is appropriate for formal settings where respect and politeness are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "I humbly request" too frequently, as it can sound excessively deferential or insincere. Reserve it for situations where the request genuinely warrants a humble tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I humbly request" functions as a polite formula for introducing a request, typically in formal or respectful contexts. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and conveys deference.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I humbly request" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for making a polite and formal request. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability for formal communication. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, as well as formal business correspondence. While it effectively conveys respect, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly deferential. Alternatives such as "I respectfully ask" or "I sincerely ask" may be suitable in certain contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of your audience and the level of formality appropriate for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I respectfully ask

Substitutes "humbly request" with "respectfully ask", focusing on respect rather than humility.

I earnestly request

Replaces "humbly" with "earnestly", emphasizing the sincerity of the request.

I sincerely ask

Similar to "earnestly request" but uses "sincerely" to highlight the genuineness of the request.

I would be grateful if you could

A more roundabout way of making a request, focusing on gratitude.

I kindly ask that you

Replaces "humbly" with "kindly", emphasizing the polite nature of the request.

I would appreciate it if you would

Shifts the focus to the appreciation the speaker would feel.

I appeal to you to

A more formal and direct approach, suggesting a serious need.

May I ask you to

A question format to show respect when asking someone to do something.

I respectfully submit

Appropriate when offering a suggestion or idea formally.

I entreat you to

A more emphatic and less common way to make a heartfelt request.

FAQs

How can I use "I humbly request" in a sentence?

You can use "I humbly request" to politely introduce a formal request. For example, "I humbly request that you consider my application for the scholarship".

What's a more modern alternative to "I humbly request"?

While "I humbly request" conveys respect, you can opt for a more contemporary alternative like "I respectfully ask" or "I kindly ask that you" for a similar level of formality without sounding antiquated.

In what situations is it best to use "I humbly request"?

Use "I humbly request" in formal communication such as addressing superiors, making a plea, or when asking for something significant where showing deference is important.

Is "I humbly request" suitable for informal communication?

No, "I humbly request" is not suitable for informal contexts. In casual settings, a more direct approach like "Could you please...?" or simply "Please...?" is more appropriate.