a request for information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a request for information" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are formally asking someone to provide specific details or data on a particular subject. Example: "I am submitting a request for information regarding the upcoming project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

ConAgra Foods said it first received a request for information from the Pentagon in January.

The New York Times

Islamic Relief, another charity, did not respond to a request for information.

The Guardian

Therefore he composed a request for information for circulation to scholarly journals.

The New Yorker

Hospital officials did not respond a request for information on his condition.

The New York Times

"Responding to a request for information, an individual might say, 'that's personal'," Chief Justice Roberts wrote.

The New York Times

A spokeswoman for the council didn't immediately respond to a request for information.

The New York Times

Other intriguing snippets include a request for information about "speciality concretes" to "harden key facilities".

The Economist

Julie Zawisza, an F.D.A. spokeswoman, said Dr. von Eschenbach was simply responding to a request for information from a senator.

The New York Times

"This message was conveyed to the IOC when these allegations first surfaced after a request for information from the IOC.

The Guardian

Public security officials in Beijing did not respond to a request for information about the lawyer's whereabouts.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Late last week, Governor Deval Patrick and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts quietly released a Request-for-Information (RFI) on an esoteric new public financing concept.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making "a request for information", be as specific as possible to ensure you receive relevant and useful details. Include specific dates, names or figures if you know them.

Common error

Avoid making overly broad or general "a request for information". Clearly define the scope of your inquiry to prevent ambiguity and irrelevant responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a request for information" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows it's used to denote the act of formally seeking specific details or data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a request for information" is a versatile phrase used to formally seek specific details or data across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and widely used. While alternative phrases like "an information inquiry" or "seeking information" exist, "a request for information" remains a standard choice for its clarity and widespread recognition. To effectively use this phrase, ensure your inquiry is specific and well-defined, as this is crucial for receiving relevant responses. Avoid vagueness to prevent ambiguity and irrelevant information. The phrase is most commonly encountered in news, business, and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an information inquiry

This alternative replaces "request" with "inquiry", offering a more concise option with a slightly more formal tone.

a call for data

Replacing "request" with "call" offers a shorter and more direct way to ask for data or information.

requesting data

A more direct and action-oriented version of the original phrase, emphasizing the act of requesting.

an information demand

Replaces "request" with "demand", suggesting a more assertive or urgent need for information.

seeking information

This simplifies the phrase to its core action, focusing on the act of seeking rather than the formal request.

a solicitation for data

Substitutes "request" with "solicitation" and "information" with "data", framing the request as a formal appeal for specific data.

an appeal for details

Changes "request" to "appeal" and "information" to "details", suggesting a need for specific and granular information.

information gathering

Focuses on the process of obtaining information, rather than the formal act of requesting it.

an information search

This term focuses on the active process of searching or looking for relevant information.

data acquisition

This phrase is more formal and technical, implying a structured process of obtaining data.

FAQs

How do I use "a request for information" in a sentence?

You can use "a request for information" to formally ask for specific details or data. For example, "The company received "a request for information" from the government agency regarding its financial practices."

What are some alternatives to "a request for information"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an information inquiry", "seeking information", or "a call for data".

Is it better to use "a request for information" or "an inquiry for information"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a request for information" is more common. "An inquiry" might be slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.

When should I use "a request for information" instead of simply asking a question?

Use "a request for information" when you need a formal or documented response, often in a professional or official context. A simple question is suitable for less formal situations.