a one-off request

USAGE SUMMARY

"a one-off request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an instance when you are asking someone to do something that is not a usual request. Example: "I have a one-off request for you; could you help me move this piece of furniture?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That's how collaborative overload creeps in: What you thought was a one-off request turns into an ongoing commitment.

Harvard Business Review

That's how collaborative overload creeps in: What you thought was a one-off request to share some information slowly turns into an ongoing commitment to someone else's project.

Harvard Business Review

A spokesman said: "This is simply a one-off request for the convenience of our customers because of the fall of Christmas and New Year this year".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Doing this makes using the Printhug service a bit more hands-on than maybe originally intended, but it is a straightforward enough method which would work fine for the occasional one-off request.

TechCrunch

So just to sort of bring us back to that, if you are the person who is being regularly requested to do more by other people, you can sort of get better at saying no on sort of one-off requests.

Harvard Business Review

These payments can either be one-off requests (throw in on the keg!), regular/subscription-based (subscribe to my blog!), or pre-authorized.

TechCrunch

That affords them the flexibility to turn down one-off requests that feel like a stretch or would be viewed as off-brand by their followers.

Forbes

For me, what's particularly exciting about 3D printing is the opportunities it offers for customising products and designs to suit one-off requests.

Forbes

So while I may not have time for a potential slew of requests from friends with the last name starting with E-J, I could easily manage reciprocal one-off requests of this nature.

Huffington Post

So in reality, many parents forgo Apple's imperfect controls and deal with app downloads on a one-off basis upon a child's request.

TechCrunch

It was a one-off experience could be replicated on request until the end of summer.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a one-off request" to clearly communicate that you are not initiating an ongoing commitment or setting a precedent for future similar requests. This helps manage expectations and avoid collaborative overload.

Common error

Avoid using "a one-off request" if you anticipate needing similar help in the future. Clearly state if a task is truly isolated to prevent confusion and potential disappointment if you need to ask again.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one-off request" functions as a noun phrase, where "one-off" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "request". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a one-off request" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that clarifies a request as singular and non-recurring. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not highly frequent, it's suitable for professional and neutral contexts, as seen in news media and business settings. When using the phrase, ensure you genuinely intend the request to be isolated to avoid any confusion about future expectations. Consider alternatives like "a singular request" or "an isolated request" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a one-time request

Replaces "off" with "time", emphasizing the single occurrence.

an isolated request

Highlights the unique and separate nature of the request.

a singular request

Focuses on the single, individual nature of the request.

a unique request

Emphasizes the distinctive and uncommon nature of the request.

an occasional request

Indicates the request happens infrequently.

an exceptional request

Suggests the request is out of the ordinary.

a special request

Implies the request requires particular attention or handling.

a standalone request

Highlights that it's independent from other requests.

a discrete request

Emphasizes that the request is individually distinct.

a non-recurring request

States that the request will not happen again.

FAQs

How can I use "a one-off request" in a sentence?

You can use "a one-off request" to describe a situation where you're asking for something that isn't part of a regular pattern. For example, "I have "a one-off request" for you: could you proofread this document before tomorrow?"

What's a more formal alternative to "a one-off request"?

In a more formal setting, consider using "a singular request" or "an isolated instance" to convey the same meaning as "a one-off request" while maintaining a professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "a one-off request" in business communication?

Yes, it's acceptable to use "a one-off request" in business communication to indicate that you're making a specific request that isn't part of an ongoing project or agreement. Just ensure the context is clear to avoid any misunderstandings.

What does "a one-off request" mean?

The term "a one-off request" means that the specific request is a singular instance and not part of a series or regular occurrence. It emphasizes the isolated nature of the request.