I respectfully ask

USAGE SUMMARY

"I respectfully ask" is a perfectly correct phrase in written English.
It is used in formal contexts when you are asking someone for something in a polite and courteous manner. For example, you could say "I respectfully ask that you reconsider my application for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I respectfully ask him to reconsider.

The New York Times

He said "I respectfully ask that you stop publishing those documents.

The New Yorker

I respectfully ask the Inferno Coral Director why this is so.

The Guardian - Sport

However, there are a few statements written, no doubt, without bias, to which I object, & I respectfully ask your co-operation in correctint them.

The New Yorker

"What I respectfully ask you to do," Mr. McCain said, "is to contact our members of Congress and tell them how important this legislation is".

The New York Times

As a safeguard against a possible injustice, could I respectfully ask that you adjourn the matter until the constitutional position of all courts is clarified".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Quickly after Wagner stepped away from the microphone, Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) rose to demand an apology: "As a proud Italian American, I resent that and I would respectfully ask the commenter to make an apology to Italian Americans in California".

Huffington Post

I really hope that he will, and I will respectfully ask him to do exactly that".

The Guardian

I most respectfully ask a favor, that is: If the greyhound be substituted, that I be presented with the cod in order that it may be preserved for the future of young Americans".

Wikipedia

I hope Tom Cruise's new film will make that clarification.Francis de MarneffeCambridge, MassachusettsThe pattern of tiny footstepsSIR – I would respectfully ask The Economist to reconsider its dismissal of concerns regarding global population growth ("How to deal with a falling population", July 28th).

The Economist

I also respectfully ask that the two independent freelancers, who are not Greenpeace members, be immediately freed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I respectfully ask", ensure your request is clear and specific. This phrase sets a tone of polite formality, so maintain consistency in your writing style.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "I respectfully ask" in informal contexts. This phrase can sound overly formal or even sarcastic if used inappropriately. Consider using simpler phrases like "please" or "I'd like to ask" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I respectfully ask" primarily functions as a performative utterance, enacting the act of making a polite and formal request. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used in formal contexts to ask someone for something in a courteous manner. Examples from Ludwig show it being used in various contexts, from political requests to personal appeals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I respectfully ask" is a grammatically correct phrase used to make a polite and formal request. Ludwig AI confirms its use in formal contexts to ensure courtesy. Its frequency is common, predominantly appearing in news and media, and formal business settings. When writing, ensure your request is clear and specific, and avoid overuse in casual conversations. The phrase's purpose is to persuade through polite language and show deference to the recipient, contributing to a professional or formal tone. For similar phrases, consider "I humbly request", "I politely request", or "I kindly ask" for slightly varied emphasis or levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I politely request

Replaces "respectfully" with "politely", maintaining the courtesy but reducing formality.

I kindly ask

Replaces "respectfully" with "kindly", conveying warmth and politeness.

I humbly request

Replaces "respectfully" with "humbly", emphasizing deference.

I would respectfully like to ask

Adds "would like", making the request sound slightly more tentative and polite.

I formally request

Changes "respectfully" to "formally", highlighting the official nature of the request.

May I respectfully inquire

Replaces "ask" with "inquire", adding a touch of formality and indirectness.

I earnestly implore

Substitutes "ask" with "implore" and replaces "respectfully" with "earnestly", conveying a stronger sense of urgency and sincerity.

I respectfully urge

Replaces "ask" with "urge", making the request stronger while still maintaining politeness.

I respectfully suggest

Shifts from direct request to a suggestion, maintaining politeness.

I beseech you

Replaces the entire phrase with a more archaic and emphatic plea.

FAQs

How to use "I respectfully ask" in a sentence?

Use "I respectfully ask" when you want to make a formal and polite request. For example, "I respectfully ask that you reconsider my proposal" or "I respectfully ask for your assistance with this matter".

What can I say instead of "I respectfully ask"?

You can use alternatives like "I humbly request", "I politely request", or "I kindly ask" depending on the context.

Is "I respectfully ask" suitable for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "I respectfully ask" is generally too formal for casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "Can you please" or "Could you kindly" are often more appropriate in informal settings.

What's the difference between "I respectfully ask" and "I demand"?

"I respectfully ask" conveys politeness and deference, implying a request that can be denied. In contrast, "I demand" is assertive and implies a right to the requested action, lacking the courteous tone of "I respectfully ask".