a firm request

USAGE SUMMARY

'a firm request' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to politely but firmly tell someone that you need them to do something for you or provide something for you. For example, "I need you to come to my classes regularly. This is a firm request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Microsoft removed the stickers after a firm request from City Hall.

The New York Times

A firm request for the debtor to pay their debt in full within 10 days.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Most of you know that, following a somewhat firm request by the city of Atherton, we finally moved TechCrunch out of my house and into a great new office in the heart of downtown Palo Alto.

TechCrunch

On Thursday, the Pope issued a polite but firm request for the United States to stand up for, and live by, some of the things it claims to represent.

The New Yorker

But if you read the speech in its entirety — as I did after watching it being delivered — you will find something more coherent and substantial: a polite but firm request for the United States to stand up for, and live by, some of the things it claims to represent and, at times, has actually represented.

The New Yorker

On the same day that the SEC issued its order finding that KKR had failed in its fiduciary responsibility to investors in its funds, the Deveboise & Plimpton law firm requested a waiver from the SEC so that the regulator would not designate KKR as an 'ineligible issuer.' The SEC granted the waiver.

Huffington Post

Column (2) shows that workers who are older than the job's preferred age range and of a different gender than the firm requests are significantly less likely to receive a callback than workers who meet these hiring criteria.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

She read aloud a few entries that sounded like firm requests.

The New Yorker

The Australian firm requested the halt after a spreadsheet meant for analysts and fund managers was posted on its website on Friday.

BBC

Faced with such firm requests by the government (which is also a big customer of both firms), each chief executive did as he was told, and a miffed Novartis backed off without bothering to submit a formal bid.

The Economist

At Mr. Duffey's firm, requests for such coaching have increased sharply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a firm request" when you want to emphasize the importance and seriousness of your request, making it clear that you expect compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "a firm request" in situations where a collaborative or suggestive approach is more appropriate, as it can come across as demanding if not delivered with tact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm request" functions as a noun phrase. It names an action, specifically the act of asking for something, but with an added emphasis on the insistence or seriousness of the request. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm request" is a valid and usable English phrase to express something required in a polite but serious manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, although the frequency is rare and the usage contexts are mainly restricted to News & Media and Wiki. When using this phrase, it's important to be mindful of the tone to avoid coming across as rude. While it is grammatically correct, using alternatives may enrich communications. Consider that there may be situations where a more direct demand or collaborative approach is better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong appeal

Replaces "request" with a word implying greater urgency or emotional weight.

a polite demand

Replaces "request" with a more authoritative expression.

a resolute demand

Substitutes "request" and "firm" with terms suggesting a more forceful stance.

a serious solicitation

The word "solicitation" gives more emphasis to the appeal.

a formal requisition

Replaces both words with more formal, business-oriented terms.

a determined entreaty

The expression "determined entreaty" is more emphatic.

an insistent plea

Conveys a sense of urgency and supplication, shifting the tone significantly.

a stern urging

This suggest a more serious tone.

a clear directive

Implies a command or instruction, removing the element of politeness.

a gentle suggestion

Contrast with "firm", this expresses the idea of polite suggestion.

FAQs

How can I use "a firm request" in a sentence?

You can use "a firm request" when you want to politely, but assertively, ask someone to do something. For example, "The manager issued "a firm request" for all employees to attend the mandatory training session."

What's a less formal way to phrase "a firm request"?

Alternatives to "a firm request" that are less formal include "a strong suggestion", "a clear expectation", or simply "asking nicely but seriously."

Is "a firm request" the same as "a demand"?

No, while both imply a need or expectation, "a firm request" is generally more polite and less forceful than "a demand". A demand often carries a sense of authority or threat if not met, whereas "a firm request" is typically presented as a serious but still negotiable appeal.

When is it appropriate to use "a firm request"?

It's appropriate to use "a firm request" when you need to convey the importance of your request without being overly aggressive or demanding. It's suitable in professional settings, formal communications, or situations where compliance is strongly encouraged but not necessarily enforced.