a request for comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a request for comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where feedback or opinions are being solicited, often in formal or professional communication. Example: "The organization has issued a request for comment on the proposed policy changes to gather public input."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Mr. Mitchell declined a request for comment).

The New York Times - Arts

(He declined a request for comment).

The New York Times

Mr. Stark declined a request for comment.

The New York Times

Judge Barbier declined a request for comment.

The New York Times

The National Basketball Players Association declined a request for comment.

The New York Times - Sports

Croom declined a request for comment yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

BTG Pactual declined a request for comment.

The New York Times

Ginsburg declined a request for comment.

The Guardian

(Mancuso declined a request for comment).

The New Yorker

Mr. Kika declined a request for comment.

The New York Times - Sports

NRA officials declined a request for comment.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making "a request for comment", be specific about the topic and the type of feedback you are seeking to ensure a relevant and useful response.

Common error

Instead of a general "request for comment", provide context and specific questions to guide the respondent and improve the quality of the feedback.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a request for comment" is as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it's commonly used in news and formal settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a request for comment" is a frequently used noun phrase that serves to formally solicit opinions or statements, predominantly within news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post. When using this phrase, specificity in the request is crucial for eliciting relevant responses. Alternative phrases include "an invitation to comment" or "seeking feedback", though these may vary slightly in formality. Overall, understanding the appropriate context and nuances of this phrase can significantly enhance communication in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an invitation to comment

Replaces "request" with "invitation", suggesting a more welcoming approach.

a call for a statement

Substitutes "comment" with "statement", implying a more formal response is desired.

seeking feedback

Focuses on the act of obtaining feedback, simplifying the phrase.

soliciting input

Emphasizes gathering input or opinions.

asking for an opinion

Directly requests an opinion, making it more straightforward.

desiring a response

Highlights the expectation of a response.

inquiring about thoughts

Focuses on gathering someone's thoughts or views.

a prompt for commentary

Uses "commentary" implying a detailed comment.

a desire for insights

Requests deeper insights or perspectives.

a solicitation for remarks

Uses "remarks" which is a more formal word than comments.

FAQs

How do you properly use "a request for comment" in a sentence?

You can use "a request for comment" in a sentence like this: "The journalist sent "a request for comment" to the company's CEO before publishing the article."

What's the difference between "a request for comment" and "a press inquiry"?

"A request for comment" is a general solicitation for an opinion or statement, while "a press inquiry" is specifically from a news organization and often seeks detailed information.

What can I say instead of "a request for comment" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "an invitation to comment", "a call for a statement", or "soliciting input".

When is it appropriate to send "a request for comment"?

It's appropriate to send "a request for comment" when you need an official statement, feedback, or opinion from an individual or organization, especially in journalistic or professional contexts.