a one time request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a one time request' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a request that only needs to be done one time. For example, "I am making a one time request for you to send me the files before the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It won't be a one-time request.

The Guardian - Tech

What seemed like a one-time request by the government, asking social media companies in India to censor and screen content, now could be read as a more sinister plan to curb criticism and dissent.

The New York Times

The agency argues that this is a one-time request and wants Apple to create software only to get into Mr. Farook's phone, not unlimited access to iPhones everywhere.

The New York Times - Tech

Is it a one-time request, or does your adult child regularly ask for assistance?

WikiHow

In Smith v. Maryland, Judge Leon continued, The court considered a one-time, targeted request for data regarding an individual suspect in a criminal investigation … which in no way resembles the daily, all-encompassing, indiscriminate dump of phone metadata that the NSA now receives as part of its Bulk Telephony Metadata Program.

The New Yorker

The mass surveillance program differs so much from the one-time request dealt with by the 1979 case that it was of "little value" in assessing whether the metadata dragnet constitutes a fourth amendment search.

The Guardian

In addition to one-time requests for mail-in ballots, the state permits voters to be sent absentee ballots automatically before each election; that distribution list includes about a third of the state's voters.

The New York Times

Those with mobile phones can also request a one-time numerical password to be sent by text message, which would be used in conjunction with the user's ID number.

The New York Times

The new location feature lets you request a one-time static location share from your contacts, which the app will then automatically set as your destination and use to set the route for your driver.

TechCrunch

Hours later, Zambia withdrew a similar request for a one-time sale of 21 tons of tusks, but it sought a modest reduction in the international protection of its elephant population to permit eventual future trade.

The New York Times

Legislators also rejected the president's request for a one-time infusion of $400 million for NSF from so-called mandatory revenue sources, money outside the province of the annual appropriations process.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making "a one time request", be exceptionally clear about its parameters and why it won't be repeated to avoid future confusion or expectations.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a one time request" establishes a precedent. Clearly state that fulfilling this particular request does not mean similar requests will be granted in the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one time request" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As exemplified by Ludwig, it describes an instance where a specific action or item is requested on only one occasion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a one time request" is grammatically sound and serves to specify that a request is made and intended to be fulfilled only once. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English and suitable for clarifying the non-recurring nature of a request. While Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts such as news, media and general discussions. To ensure clarity, especially in professional contexts, emphasize the non-precedential aspect of the request to avoid future misunderstandings. Remember that while the phrase is correct, related phrases like "single request" or "isolated request" may offer alternative ways to express the same concept with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single request

Focuses on the singular nature of the request, omitting the temporal aspect.

isolated request

Highlights the disconnected nature of the request from any series or pattern.

unique request

Emphasizes the distinct and unparalleled nature of the request.

non-recurring request

Explicitly states that the request will not happen again.

one-off request

An informal way to describe something done only once.

singular instance request

A more formal way to emphasize this is a single occasion.

exceptional request

Highlights that the request is outside of the usual or expected.

first-time request

Emphasizes that the request is being made for the first occasion ever.

episodic request

Focuses on something which happens in single or separate instances.

ad-hoc request

Specifies that this is an unorganized or unplanned request.

FAQs

How do you properly use "a one time request" in a sentence?

Use "a one time request" to describe a situation where something is asked for only a single occasion. For example: "The agency argues that this is "a one time request" and wants Apple to create software only to get into Mr. Farook's phone, not unlimited access to iPhones everywhere."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a one time request"?

Alternatives include "single request", "isolated request", or "unique request", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "one-time request" instead of "a one time request"?

Yes, "one-time request" (with a hyphen) is also correct and commonly used as a compound adjective before a noun. Both "a one time request" and "one-time request" are acceptable.

What's the difference between "a one time request" and "recurring request"?

"A one time request" refers to something asked for only once, while a "recurring request" is something that is asked for repeatedly or on a regular basis.