an extraordinary request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extraordinary request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a request that is unusual, remarkable, or out of the ordinary. Example: "She made an extraordinary request for additional resources to complete the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is unclear how the Council might respond to such an extraordinary request.

The New York Times

"This is an extraordinary request, and I'm very concerned," said Councilman Bill Perkins, chairman of the Governmental Operations Committee.

The New York Times

"I recognize this is an extraordinary request," Ms. Madigan said at a news conference here, "but these are extraordinary circumstances".

The New York Times

"This is an extraordinary request," Mr. Grassley said in a telephone interview as he toured his devastated state.

The New York Times

The National Archives in Washington recently received an extraordinary request from Stephen St.Croix, who is the president of a company called Intelligent Devices.

The New York Times - Magazine

In March 2008, the Justice Department made an extraordinary request: It asked a judge for permission to record secretly the phone conversations of Raj Rajaratnam, a billionaire hedge fund manager.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We were very concerned with the city's extraordinary request for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Critical Mass ride".

The New York Times

But his extraordinary request worries some civil libertarians.

The New York Times

Only by persuading the governor-general, who acts as Canada's head of state, to approve his extraordinary request to suspend Parliament until the end of January was he able to dodge a confidence vote that he was set to lose.

The Economist

The Bear Stearns Companies was rebuffed yesterday in its effort to reverse a $171 million court award to Henryk de Kwiatkowski, a Canadian currency speculator, when United States District Judge Victor Marrero refused the company's "extraordinary" request to overturn the award.

The New York Times

The bidding for Senator-elect Hillary Rodham Clinton's proposed book about her life in the White House exceeded $7.5 million yesterday afternoon, even though she is making the extraordinary request that publishers pay her nearly the entire sum by the end of this year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extraordinary request", ensure the context clearly establishes why the request is unusual or exceptional. Providing specific details will enhance understanding and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "an extraordinary request" for routine or commonplace situations. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extraordinary request" functions as a noun phrase, where "extraordinary" modifies the noun "request". According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and is used to describe a demand that is exceptional or unusual.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extraordinary request" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a demand or appeal that is unusual or exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, suggesting its use in reporting on unusual situations. While not extremely common, the phrase is well-understood and effectively conveys the exceptional nature of a request. When writing, ensure the context justifies the use of this phrase to avoid overstating the situation. Consider alternatives like "an unusual request" or "an exceptional demand" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional demand

Replaces 'request' with 'demand', emphasizing the insistence or urgency behind it.

an unusual appeal

Substitutes 'request' with 'appeal', highlighting the persuasive or pleading aspect.

an out-of-the-ordinary plea

Emphasizes the emotional or urgent nature of the request.

a remarkable application

Uses 'application' instead of 'request', focusing on the formal submission.

a phenomenal application

Changes 'extraordinary' to 'phenomenal' and 'request' to 'application', suggesting something exceptional in its formality.

a surprising proposition

Highlights the unexpected or novel aspect of the request.

a singular solicitation

Replaces the words with their synonyms. It adds formality.

an atypical submission

Changes both words to synonyms with focus on the formal element of the 'request'.

a noteworthy entreaty

Replaces both words with synonyms, highlighting the formal aspect.

an unprecedented requisition

Substitutes both words for synonyms, adding a layer of formality.

FAQs

How can I use "an extraordinary request" in a sentence?

You can use "an extraordinary request" to describe a situation where someone is asking for something that is beyond the normal or expected. For example, "The company made "an extraordinary request" for government assistance during the crisis".

What can I say instead of "an extraordinary request"?

Alternatives to "an extraordinary request" include "an unusual request", "an exceptional demand", or "a remarkable application", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say 'very extraordinary' request?

Yes, using "very" before "extraordinary" is generally redundant. The word "extraordinary" already implies something beyond the ordinary, so "very" doesn't add significant meaning.

What's the difference between "an extraordinary request" and "a standard request"?

"An extraordinary request" implies that the request is out of the ordinary and may require special consideration or action. In contrast, "a standard request" suggests a routine or typical request that follows established procedures.