a last minute request

USAGE SUMMARY

"a last minute request" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that someone has asked for at the last minute. For example: "I was unable to complete the project on time due to a last minute request from my boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Cosmologist Stephen Hawking has made a last minute request to present a paper revising one of his most famous theories at a scientific conference in Ireland next week.

The Guardian

So the organisers of the 17th international conference on general relativity and gravitation in Dublin next week were intrigued to get a last minute request from the Cambridge physicist to give his latest thinking on the problem, and immediately gave him an hour's slot on Wednesday.

The Guardian

Unless it's a true emergency, or you are being paid "rush" time, you probably don't need to squeeze a last minute request in today.

Huffington Post

An electrician, a handyman, a type setter, people who you like who won't be offended if you call up for a last minute request, people that you don't have to explain yourself to.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The FBI reopened its background check into Kavanaugh last week following a last-minute request by Sen. Jeff Flake, who called for a delay of Kavanaugh's confirmation vote so that the FBI could properly investigate the allegations against the Supreme Court nominee.

Vice

Ford testified about her memory of the assault last week and, because of a last-minute request by Flake, Republicans postponed Senate votes to give the Federal Bureau of Investigation more time to investigate Ford's claim.

Huffington Post

Greece's government was making a last-minute request for a new bailout, and Europe was offering at least minor concessions.

The Washington Post

A last-minute request, such as this one, puts unnecessary pressure on the hosts; they shouldn't be asked to take responsibility for someone else's lack of planning.

The New York Times

And it is also O.K. to decline a last-minute request to add to the guest list, even with an offer to pay.

The New York Times

"This was a last-minute request by Major League Baseball, but we didn't want it to have any adverse impact on those eight games".

The New York Times - Sports

But he said that if he got a last-minute request Monday morning for a private party, the restaurant would be ready.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When faced with a "last minute request", immediately assess its feasibility and impact on existing priorities. Communicate clearly with stakeholders about potential trade-offs or delays in other tasks.

Common error

Don't automatically prioritize a "last minute request" without evaluating its importance relative to existing commitments. Some may be genuinely urgent, while others might stem from poor planning or lack of foresight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last minute request" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI states, it refers to something asked for at the last minute. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts, such as discussing Stephen Hawking's paper submission or a request from a boss.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a last minute request" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a request made with little advance notice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for general use. Ludwig's examples reveal that the phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as formal business communications. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase often implies urgency or potential inconvenience. Alternatives such as "a late request" or "an urgent request" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. When handling "a last minute request", it's crucial to assess its feasibility and communicate effectively with all stakeholders.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a late request

Focuses on the tardiness of the request.

an urgent request

Emphasizes the urgency of the request.

a final hour request

Highlights the timing close to a deadline.

a short notice request

Stresses the lack of advance warning.

a rushed request

Indicates the request was made hastily.

a belated request

Suggests the request was made later than it should have been.

a eleventh hour request

Idiomatic expression for something done very late.

a sudden request

Highlights the unexpected nature of the request.

a same day request

Specifies that the request and its fulfillment are expected on the same day.

a last second request

Similar to 'last minute' but perhaps even more urgent.

FAQs

How can I handle "a last minute request" effectively?

Prioritize assessing the urgency and impact. Communicate honestly about feasibility and potential trade-offs, and negotiate deadlines if necessary.

What's a more formal way to say "a last minute request"?

Consider using phrases like "an urgent request" or "a short notice request" for a more professional tone.

Is it okay to decline "a last minute request"?

Yes, it's acceptable if you have valid reasons, such as conflicting priorities or insufficient resources. Clearly communicate your limitations and offer alternative solutions if possible.

What are some alternatives to using the term "a last minute request"?

You can use alternatives like "a late request", "an urgent request", or "a short notice request" depending on the context.