I request that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I request that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are formally asking for something. For example: "I request that I be given additional time to complete the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cramblett's response: "No, why would I request that?

The New Yorker

"I request that Muslim cops be treated like everybody else," he said.

The New Yorker

For students to work with me, I request that students be seriously interested in developing their skills as environmental economists while at Stanford.

Stanford University

Is it a constraint If I request that targets be split up into shorter segments, but don't care about the spacing?

Harvard University

I request that Freedom House, and the like, to track black comedy and satire and incorporate it.

Huffington Post

"Sir, I request that I be excused from this duty".

The New Yorker

Can I request that the landlord update the kitchen, or can I do so myself?

The New York Times

"I request that you verify the identity of Prosecutor Sergei Bogdanov," Mr. Navalny told the judges.

The New York Times

"I request that you verify the identity of Prosecutor Sergei Bogdanov," said Mr Navalny.

The Economist

I request that my girlfriend be called beforehand, so that she won't be too scared.

The Guardian

"I request that you publish an article which states a different point of view," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I request that", ensure the tone matches the context. It's suitable for formal situations, but less appropriate for casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "I request that" in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I ask that" or "Could you please" to maintain a natural conversational flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I request that" serves as a performative utterance, initiating a formal request or command. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a valid English phrase. Examples show it introducing a specific action or outcome the speaker desires.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I request that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to formally express a desire or make a request. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for formal contexts such as academic, business, and news settings. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal conversations where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Remember to consider the tone and context to ensure your request is received as intended. As shown in the examples Ludwig provides, it is a phrase that allows the speaker to take an active role and clearly state what action or outcome they seek.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I ask that

More concise and slightly less formal.

I respectfully request that

Adds a tone of deference and politeness.

I would like to request that

More tentative and polite.

It is my request that

More formal and emphasizes the speaker's desire.

I hereby request that

Very formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

I urge that

Implies a strong desire or need for something to happen.

I appeal that

Suggests a more emotional or persuasive request.

I move that

Typically used in formal meetings or debates.

My demand is that

Direct and forceful, implying a lack of willingness to negotiate.

I stipulate that

Used in legal or contractual contexts to specify a condition.

FAQs

What is a less formal way to say "I request that"?

You can use phrases like "I ask that", "Could you please", or simply make a polite request without explicitly stating "I request that".

How can I make "I request that" sound more polite?

To sound more polite, you can add "respectfully" before "request" or use the phrase "I would like to request that". These additions soften the tone and show deference.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I request that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "I request that" is a standard construction used to formally ask for something.

What's the difference between "I request that" and "I demand that"?

"I request that" is a polite and formal way to ask for something. "I demand that", on the other hand, is a forceful and assertive statement that leaves no room for negotiation. Choose the phrase that best suits the context and your desired tone.