formally request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally request" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to politely and formally request something from someone else. For example: "I formally request your presence at the meeting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have written to formally request copies of this documentation from the police".

Independent

It can't be long before Mariano Rajoy is forced to formally request help.

The Guardian - Business

But the Chilean government must formally request that help, and it has not done so.

The New York Times

Bernie Sanders, let's say to formally request that the IRS prepare the report.

The Washington Post

Instead, it will formally request the MCA refrain from policy advocacy on climate and energy.

The Guardian - Business

Brazil has yet to formally request aid, a prerequisite for assistance.

The New York Times

Borrowers may formally request this when the principal balance reaches 80percentt of the original value.

The New York Times

President Truman acknowledged the inevitable, and the representative of the Zionist movement in Washington was invited to formally request recognition.

The New York Times - Magazine

That fueled speculation that Madrid was laying the groundwork to formally request help sooner rather than later.

The New York Times

It is up to the same appeals court in Milan that convicted him to formally request his arrest.

The New York Times

He said the Libyans could formally request that the case be transferred, then ICC judges would make a decision.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formally request", ensure that the context requires a degree of formality. It is suitable for professional correspondence, official communications, and situations where a clear record of the request is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "formally request" in casual conversations or informal emails, as it can sound overly stiff or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "ask" or "request" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally request" functions as a verb phrase, where "formally" modifies the verb "request". According to Ludwig, it is used to indicate a polite and formal request, emphasizing the procedural aspect. Examples in Ludwig show its usage in professional and official communications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formally request" is a verb phrase used to indicate a polite and official request. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it's suitable for professional and official communications. With a "Very common" frequency, it appears most often in news and media, formal business contexts, and academic writing. When writing, it's best to use "formally request" when a degree of formality is required, but avoid overusing it in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "officially request" or "submit a formal request" based on the specific context to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially request

Replaces "formally" with "officially", indicating a request made through proper channels.

submit a formal request

Transforms the phrase into an action of submitting a request, emphasizing the documentation aspect.

lodge a formal application

Emphasizes the application aspect of the request, suitable for official procedures.

make a formal appeal

Specifically used when the request involves an appeal to a higher authority.

file a formal petition

Implies a more structured and documented request, often used in legal or administrative contexts.

put in an official request

Uses "put in" to convey the action of making an official request.

request in writing

Highlights that the request should be documented and not just verbal.

seek official authorization

Shifts the focus to obtaining authorization through a formal process.

apply officially for

Uses "apply officially" to describe the act of formally applying.

ask formally

A simpler version that highlights the formal manner of the request.

FAQs

How to use "formally request" in a sentence?

You can use "formally request" when you need to make a polite and formal request. For example, "I formally request your presence at the meeting next week" or "The organization will formally request funding from the committee".

What can I say instead of "formally request"?

You can use alternatives like "officially request", "submit a formal request", or "lodge a formal application" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "formally request" or "formal request"?

"Formally request" is a verb phrase indicating the action of making a formal request. "Formal request" is a noun phrase that refers to the request itself. For example, "I will formally request assistance" versus "I am writing a formal request".

Is it redundant to say "formally request"?

While "request" implies a degree of formality, using "formally request" emphasizes the official or procedural nature of the request. It can be useful in situations where clarity and documentation are important.