I respectfully request

USAGE SUMMARY

'I respectfully request' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would typically use it in a formal situation to politely and humbly ask for something. For example, "I respectfully request an explanation for why I was let go from my job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Therefore, I respectfully request you never attack me physically again.

The New York Times

-- Mr. Chairman, I respectfully request the opportunity not to appear as a witness before the committee.

The New York Times

I respectfully request you to ensure that vegan meals are available to Ms. Alekhina — and all prisoners.

The New York Times

Patty and I respectfully request that as much privacy as possible be afforded Ryan and our family during this time".

The New York Times

However, I respectfully request that you and your office reconsider this decision and dismiss the two criminal charges this young man faces.

The New York Times - Sports

"That trade-off is simply not worth it to our country … Therefore, I respectfully request that you no longer consider my candidacy at this time".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

I respectfully requested that the Senate act promptly on that nomination.

The Guardian

"Weighing these interests in the balance," Mr. Stern concluded, "I hope that you will agree that the public interest here is paramount, and I therefore respectfully request that you permit the people of New Jersey access to this information about a candidate for the office of United States senator".

The New York Times

"In my brother's name, I would respectfully request he make a real effort to help individual Afghan people," Mrs. Lasar said.

The New York Times

He added, "Under these circumstances and in an effort to bring some closure to this trauma, I will respectfully request the Legislature to rescind this legislation," and said he hoped that the family would find it "in their heart to extend some degree of forgiveness".

The New York Times

"I would respectfully request that on a personnel matter that the City Council work with me as your city manager," Scott said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Precede with an opening sentence to provide context or explain the reason for your request and follow it with a closing sentence of gratitude.

Common error

Avoid using "I respectfully request" in casual conversations or informal emails. Using formal language in an informal setting can sound unnatural or even sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I respectfully request" functions as a polite and formal way to introduce a request. It signals deference and consideration towards the recipient, making the request more persuasive. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Science

6.25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic & Research

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I respectfully request" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to make formal and polite requests. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for professional and official communications, where showing deference is important. While its frequent use is in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts, avoid using it in casual settings to maintain a natural tone. Related phrases like "I humbly ask" or "I earnestly request" can serve as alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I humbly ask

Replaces "respectfully request" with a phrase emphasizing humility.

I earnestly request

Substitutes "respectfully" with "earnestly", highlighting the sincerity of the request.

I formally request

Emphasizes the official nature of the request.

I would be grateful if you would

Uses a more indirect and polite construction.

I kindly ask that you

Replaces "respectfully request" with a more gentle and courteous expression.

I hereby request

Indicates that the request is being made formally and officially at this moment.

I petition you to

Implies a more formal appeal or supplication.

May I ask that you

Presents the request as a question, making it slightly less direct.

I solicit your consideration of

Uses more formal and less common vocabulary.

I entreat you to

Emphasizes the emotional intensity of the request.

FAQs

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

You can use "I respectfully request" to make a polite and formal request. For example, "I respectfully request a meeting with the manager to discuss my performance."

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

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

When is it appropriate to use "I respectfully request"?

It's appropriate to use "I respectfully request" in formal settings such as business emails, official letters, or when addressing someone in a position of authority.

Is "I respectfully request" more formal than "I kindly ask"?

Yes, "I respectfully request" tends to be more formal and carries a slightly stronger tone of deference compared to "I kindly ask that you".