I write to request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I write to request' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are asking for something. For example: I write to request that I be allowed to take a day off next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I write to request that you withdraw the Order of Australia medal from Edward Moses Obeid, Wardd wrote in the letter dated 26 September.

The Guardian

"I write to request that the noble visage of Nathan Hale be restored to the people of New York City," she wrote to the local city councilwoman, Margaret Chin, and to the Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn.

The New York Times

I write to request that the investigation of me now pending in the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York be removed from that Office and reassigned to a Special United States Attorney with instruction to complete the investigation promptly and report the results to the public within 20 days.

The New York Times

"I write to request that you consider allocating a portion of the repaid funds to provide bridge loans to enable homeowners who have lost their jobs to meet their mortgage payments," wrote Cummings in a letter to President Obama.

Huffington Post

In light of Tuesday's announcement by Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner that 10 of the largest financial institutions participating in the Capital Purchase Program will be permitted to repay government funds, I write to request that you consider allocating a portion of the repaid funds to provide bridge loans to enable homeowners who have lost their jobs to meet their mortgage payments.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I am writing to request an immediate postponement of any further proceedings related to the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, Feinsteinn (Calif). wrote in a letter to Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), the committee's chairman.

The Washington Post

Dear Mr. Jones and Mr. Lee, I am writing to request your immediate attention and intervention to assure the promise of the Affordable Care Act does not become a nightmare of deeply angry and horrified Californians cut off from the doctors who have cared for them for many years.

Huffington Post

Lady Andrews's three-page consultation with Charles on draft planning and construction laws begins: "I write to formally request the consent of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to provisions to be included in the... bill".

The Guardian

[email protected] [email protected] 0203 353 2000 Your address Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to request all the information to which I am entitled to under section 7 of the Data Protection Act 1998 (a subject access request).

The Guardian

"I am writing to request permission to take my wife on a honeymoon to the Seychelles and Tanzania from January 27th February 18th , 20144".

The New York Times

The letter, which was released to the Press Association, was addressed to David Beamish, the clerk of the parliaments, and stated: "I am writing to request a leave of absence from the House of Lords for the duration of the 2015 Parliament.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I write to request", ensure that your tone remains courteous and respectful throughout the communication. This phrase sets a formal tone that should be maintained.

Common error

Avoid using "I write to request" in casual conversations or informal emails. It can sound overly formal or stiff. Choose more relaxed alternatives like "I'm asking for" or "Could you please".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I write to request" functions as an explicit performative utterance, directly stating the act of requesting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is standard in formal requests. It sets a clear and direct intention in written communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I write to request" is a formal and polite phrase used to initiate a request in written communication. Ludwig AI indicates it’s grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts such as official letters or professional emails. While effective for making clear requests, it is best to avoid using it in casual settings where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. Consider using alternatives like "I'm writing to ask for" in less formal communications. The phrase is mostly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would like to formally request

Adds emphasis on the formality of the request.

This letter is to request

Emphasizes that the purpose of the letter is to make a request.

I respectfully request

Highlights the respectful nature of the request.

I am writing to ask for

More direct and less formal than the original phrase.

I am requesting

A more straightforward and concise request.

I hereby request

A very formal and somewhat archaic way of making a request.

I am submitting this request for

Indicates the formal submission of a request.

I am writing to enquire about

Focuses on seeking information rather than making a direct request.

I want to request

More direct but slightly less formal.

I am seeking

Implies a request for something needed or desired.

FAQs

What is the best context to use "I write to request"?

The phrase "I write to request" is best used in formal written communication, such as letters or official emails, where a polite and professional tone is necessary. It's suitable for making formal requests to superiors, institutions, or organizations.

How can I make the phrase "I write to request" sound less formal?

To make your request sound less formal, you can use alternatives like "I'm writing to ask for", "I'd like to request", or simply /s/could+you . These options are more appropriate for less formal settings, such as emails to colleagues or acquaintances.

Is it better to say "I write to request" or "I am writing to request"?

Both "I write to request" and "I am writing to request" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. "I am writing to request" is slightly more common in modern usage, while "I write to request" may be perceived as more traditional or formal. The choice depends on your preferred style and the specific context.

What are some alternatives to "I write to request" for business correspondence?

In business correspondence, you can use alternatives such as /s/i+would+like+to+request , "I am requesting", or "This letter is to request". These options maintain a professional tone while offering slight variations in phrasing.