a request to serve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a request to serve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are formally asking someone to take on a role or perform a duty. Example: "I am submitting a request to serve on the committee for the upcoming event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr. Greenspan said that Mr. Zuckerberg's lawyer contacted him this year in connection with the ConnectU lawsuit but that he had declined a request to serve as a witness, fearing that he would become embroiled in the legal battle.

The New York Times - Tech

Samuel Waksal Samuel Waksal, former CEO of ImClone Systems, sought the clemency of the Bureau when he placed a request to serve his 87 months at Eglin.

Forbes

It's entirely in the hands of the newspaper how they wish to respond to a request to serve up a page - they can do, not do it, or redirect to a paywall.

BBC

Dedicated to the promise of Biafra, he accepted a request to serve as foreign ambassador, refusing an invitation from the Program of African Studies at Northwestern University in the US.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Turkish parliament had just rebuffed an American request to serve as the northern base for the invasion.

The New Yorker

He was in jail until early August, when a judge approved his request to serve the remainder of his sentence at home.

The New Yorker

But his critics note that if he is sentenced to jail, as a Canadian he could request to serve it in his home country, rather than in the US.

The Guardian

Given that, the question is why he agreed to Obama's request to serve.

The Guardian

She also wondered how she would have felt if she had won and he had rejected her request to serve.

BBC

"It will help us raise revenue," said Teresa Aleksanian, an executive analyst, at a City Hall meeting Monday, adding that requests to serve alcohol at the facilities have been flowing in.

Los Angeles Times

NATO governments still have not sent the additional 1,200 troops that Gen. David Richards, the British commander of NATO forces here, has requested to serve as a reserve force he can send wherever violence flares around Afghanistan, according Mark Laity, a NATO spokesman.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a request to serve", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific role or duty being requested. For instance, "a request to serve on the jury" provides better clarity than just "a request to serve."

Common error

Avoid using "a request to serve" in informal contexts. It's more appropriate for formal invitations, official duties, or professional settings. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "asking for help" or "inviting to participate" may be better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a request to serve" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed when formally asking someone to undertake a role or duty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Academia

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a request to serve" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to formally ask someone to take on a specific role or duty. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage is most appropriate in formal or professional contexts, such as business, academia, and news reporting. While "a request to serve" is not exceptionally common, it effectively conveys a formal solicitation for participation. Remember to specify the role or duty for clarity and to avoid using this phrase in casual conversations where simpler alternatives are more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an application to participate

Focuses on the formal act of applying to be involved.

a solicitation for assistance

Emphasizes the act of seeking help or support.

an invitation to contribute

Highlights the aspect of offering something valuable.

a call to duty

Emphasizes the obligatory aspect of serving.

a plea to act

Focuses on urging someone to take action.

a proposition to help

Emphasizes the aspect of offering help or assistance.

a demand to work

Highlights the requirement or expectation to perform work.

an appeal to volunteer

Specifically targets voluntary participation.

a proposal to assist

Focuses on formally suggesting assistance.

a bid to contribute

Implies a competitive attempt to offer something valuable.

FAQs

How can I use "a request to serve" in a sentence?

You can use "a request to serve" when you are formally asking someone to take on a role or perform a duty. For example, "I received a request to serve on the board of directors".

What's a more casual way to express "a request to serve"?

In less formal situations, you could use phrases like "asking for help", "inviting to participate", or "seeking volunteers". These alternatives offer a more relaxed tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to specify what someone is being asked to serve as?

While not always mandatory, specifying the role or duty clarifies the context and avoids ambiguity. For instance, "a request to serve as a mentor" is clearer than just "a request to serve".

What is the difference between "a request for help" and "a request to serve"?

"A request for help" generally implies needing assistance with a task or problem, while "a request to serve" suggests a more formal invitation to take on a specific role or duty.