I respectfully submit

USAGE SUMMARY

'I respectfully submit' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are submitting a formal opinion, opinion piece, or suggestion. For example, you might write: "In this paper, I respectfully submit that our organization should prioritize employee satisfaction in order to increase productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I respectfully submit that bread stuffing, whether cooked in or out of the bird, is simply too good to save for Thanksgiving.

The New York Times - Food

Subject: Operation Queen of Diamonds As requested by the esteemed comrades, I respectfully submit a brief memorandum on the effectiveness of Operation Queen of Diamonds.

Independent

"I respectfully submit that President Obama is simply outside the mainstream in his statements about how judges should decide cases," said Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona.

The New York Times

"I respectfully submit the name of Gil Hodges," said Mrs. Hodges, whose presence was apparently intended by City hall to evoke the splendor of professional baseball in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

I respectfully submit this cannot be completed without taking Florida's presidential electors outside the safe harbor provision, creating the very real possibility of disenfranchising those nearly six million voters who were able to correctly cast their ballots on election day.

The New York Times

I respectfully submit this cannot be completed without taking Florida' s presidential electors outside the safe harbor provision, creating the very real possibility of disenfranchising those nearly six million voters who are able to correctly cast their ballots on election day".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

While I acknowledge that genetic discrimination and overinterpretation of testing results are potentially significant problems, I also respectfully submit that the basic limitation of clinical genetics today is not too much knowledge of patient's genomes, but rather too little.

Biology Direct

Today, I would respectfully submit that my father's pedagogical method was a failure.

The New Yorker

I would respectfully submit, however, that these optimists have no idea what they are talking about.

The New York Times

In any case, I would respectfully submit that we, the users of Google+ (and Facebook or Twitter) don't need to see you flipping us off, nor do we need to see you naked, or displaying something else generally considered offensive.

The Guardian - Tech

I'd respectfully submit that it was a strong marketing move.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure your submission is well-reasoned and supported by evidence, as the phrase implies a thoughtful and considered opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "I respectfully submit" in casual conversations or informal emails, as it can sound overly formal and pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I respectfully submit" functions as a declarative expression used to formally introduce an opinion, suggestion, or argument. It combines a personal pronoun, an adverb expressing respect, and a verb indicating the act of presenting something for consideration. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

29%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I respectfully submit" is a formal phrase used to introduce an opinion or suggestion with deference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and business communications. While considered uncommon in frequency, it carries a strong tone of professionalism. When choosing to employ this phrase, it's important to consider your audience and ensure a well-supported argument. If a less formal tone is desired, consider alternatives like "I respectfully suggest" or "in my opinion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I humbly submit

Replaces "respectfully" with "humbly", suggesting a more modest tone.

I respectfully suggest

Substitutes "submit" with "suggest", softening the assertion and making it a recommendation.

It is my considered opinion

Offers a more formal way of presenting an opinion for consideration.

I propose

A direct way of offering a suggestion or recommendation.

I put forth

A more assertive way of introducing an idea or suggestion.

My recommendation is

Clearly states that what follows is a recommended course of action.

I offer this for consideration

Invites consideration of the following statement or proposal.

I believe

A simple and direct way of stating an opinion.

In my estimation

Indicates that the following statement is based on personal judgment and assessment.

I surmise

Suggests the following statement is a conclusion based on limited evidence.

FAQs

What does "I respectfully submit" mean?

It's a formal way of introducing an opinion or suggestion, showing deference to the person being addressed. It implies the speaker or writer has carefully considered their position.

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

Use it in formal writing, legal documents, or when addressing superiors or authority figures where demonstrating respect is important. It's suitable for professional settings and serious proposals.

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

You can use alternatives like "I humbly submit", "I respectfully suggest", or "it is my considered opinion" depending on the context.

Is "I respectfully submit" always necessary in formal writing?

No, it is not always necessary. While it can add a level of formality and respect, it's crucial to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. Simpler phrases may be more effective in certain situations.