a surprising request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a surprising request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a request that is unexpected or not anticipated in a given context. Example: "When she asked for a week off in the middle of the project, it was certainly a surprising request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That commission led to a surprising request.

The New York Times

The minister was eager to return home, but then his commanding officer made a surprising request: Would he serve as chief chaplain to an incarcerated collection of accused Nazi war criminals?

The New York Times - Sports

Along wInh the grand press winnereleaseunners-up will receive a free, run-of-the-McDonalde-piece nugget meal with McDonald's Japan'saysper eccenthat new sauces, which is a lot less exciting than a hunKaitogold.

Vice

"He may appear in some of McDonald's restaurants through the country, may throw out a ceremonial first pitch for a professional baseball game, or pay a visit to a prefectural governor making a surprising request entertaining people," McDonald's Japan stated in an emailed release.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Bangladeshis were prepared to comply, but had a simple, if slightly surprising, request.

The Guardian

Besides the cease-fire, the other issue that cast some doubt over the talks before they even started was the FARC's surprising request to have an imprisoned comrade, Ricardo Palmera, take part.

The New York Times

That surprising request came soon after the Broadway trip.

The New York Times

Perhaps the most surprising request came from Johannes S. Beals, who sent this Twitter message: "Can U Ask my girlfriend to marry me?

The New York Times

Mr. Thomson of Salomon said the company has received a surprising number of requests for skis this season from its professional snowboard team.

The New York Times - Style

Five years ago, after I had been active on Facebook for a couple years, I received an unusual surprising friend request and private message from an old friend who I lost touch with after we both graduated.

Huffington Post

When I got a chance to try out the program, with Chef Briscione and two programmers from I.B.M. looking on, I requested a surprising Indian ceviche with fruit and tequila, as if playing some sort of deranged culinary Mad Libs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "unexpected demand" or "startling proposition" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a surprising request" for mildly unexpected asks. Reserve it for requests that genuinely deviate from the norm or expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a surprising request" functions as a noun phrase, with "surprising" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "request". Ludwig AI indicates that this is a standard and grammatically sound construction. It is often used to introduce an element of unexpectedness or novelty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A surprising request" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's used to describe a request that is unexpected or deviates from what's typically anticipated. While Ludwig's examples show it is 'Uncommon' and predominantly used in News & Media, it can be adapted across various contexts where highlighting the unexpected nature of a request is important. Remember to use it when the ask is genuinely surprising, not just mildly unexpected, and consider alternatives like "unexpected demand" or "startling proposition" for nuanced writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unexpected demand

Emphasizes the unexpected nature and the firmness of the request.

an astonishing appeal

Highlights the degree of surprise and the earnestness of the request.

an unforeseen application

Focuses on the unpredicted nature of the asking.

a startling proposition

Indicates that the request is quite shocking and may cause surprise.

an unconventional solicitation

Highlights that the request is outside the usual custom and behavior.

a peculiar appeal

Emphasizes the oddness or strangeness of the request.

a remarkable requirement

Highlights the exceptional nature of what is being requested.

an extraordinary asking

Stresses the unusual nature of the request.

an unheard-of claim

Emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the request.

a singular entreaty

Focuses on the unique and serious nature of the request.

FAQs

How can I use "a surprising request" in a sentence?

You can use "a surprising request" to describe something someone asks for that is unexpected. For example, "The company's "surprising request" to delay the deadline caught everyone off guard."

What are some alternatives to "a surprising request"?

Alternatives include "an unexpected demand", "an astonishing appeal", or "a startling proposition". Each of these phrases emphasizes the unexpected nature of the request, but with slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "a surprising request" or "an unexpected request"?

Both "a surprising request" and "an unexpected request" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them depends on the specific nuance you want to express. "Surprising" implies a greater degree of astonishment than "unexpected".

What makes "a surprising request" different from a regular request?

The adjective "surprising" indicates that the request is not what one would normally anticipate or expect. This highlights the unusual or atypical nature of the asking.