can I request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can I request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask for permission to make a request or to formally ask for something. Example: "Can I request a copy of the report for my review?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Can I request an extension?

The New York Times

And can I request 'This is a Low' next?

The Guardian - Sport

Can I request that the landlord update the kitchen, or can I do so myself?

The New York Times

"Having just seen the Getafe advert (Friday's Fiver), can I request that you do not stop Spanish football!" - Steve Hill.

The Guardian - Sport

"Can I request a photo opportunity for my young team with the star of the show?" Barrett asks politely.

The Guardian - Music

(Note to Alastair: if this is imminent, can I request Liz Lloyd of the Policy Unit please?) The place where many people cross the floor (in a sexual sense) is not in Westminster but in the town hall.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

If the player i is a SBS, i.e., i ∈ ℬ, the player i can request multiple resources.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

If the player i is a MU, i.e., ( iin mathbf{mathcal{X}} ), the player i can request multiple resources.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

They can pass on information if I request it.

Vice

"I can request more but I don't think I will get it".

The New York Times

v i can request of any service among the advertised services.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can I request" in formal writing, consider whether a more formal alternative like "may I request" or "could I request" would be more appropriate. Consider the level of formality of the context.

Common error

While "can I request" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in extremely casual situations where simpler phrases like "can I ask for" or just directly stating your request would sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can I request" functions as a polite interrogative used to seek permission before making a formal request. It frames the request as a question of possibility or authorization, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can I request" is a grammatically correct and usable interrogative phrase employed to politely introduce a request. While considered acceptable and useful according to Ludwig, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as business communications or news articles. While perfectly valid, in very informal situations a more direct question could be more suited. For more formal situations, alternatives like "may I request" can be used. Overall, it's a useful construction that, according to Ludwig, effectively balances politeness and clarity in making inquiries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

May I request

A more formal way to ask for something.

Could I request

A slightly more tentative and polite inquiry.

Can I ask for

A simpler and more direct way of asking.

I would like to request

A statement of intent framed as a polite request.

Would it be possible to request

A more indirect and formal way of making a request.

May I ask for

A more polite variant of "Can I ask for".

Is it possible to request

Focuses on the possibility of the action.

Am I able to request

Focuses on the ability to make the request.

I was wondering if I could request

A very indirect and polite way to introduce a request.

Is it okay if I request

A less formal and more casual way of asking permission.

FAQs

What is a more formal alternative to "can I request"?

For more formal situations, you can use phrases such as "may I request" or "could I request", which convey a higher degree of politeness and deference.

Is it always appropriate to use "can I request"?

While grammatically sound, "can I request" might sound slightly stilted in very informal settings. Consider using a simpler phrasing like "can I ask for" depending on the context.

How does "can I request" differ from "can I demand"?

"Can I request" implies a polite inquiry, while "can I demand" suggests a forceful assertion of one's right, so depending on the context, each one has a different impact on the reader.

In what situations is "can I request" most suitable?

The phrase "can I request" works well in situations where you need to make a formal inquiry. Example can be requesting a specific action, information, or item. It's suitable in professional emails, formal letters, or when addressing someone in a position of authority.