gently request

USAGE SUMMARY

"gently request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask for something in a polite or courteous manner. For example, "I would gently request that you call me by my preferred name".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Once in a while, my husband will gently request that I come and join them to watch a replay of some player running 40 or 50 yards down the field and then doing some kind of tribal dance in the end zone (that's actually my favorite part).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mired in politeness and caution, people with mental health difficulties across the UK have gently requested kindness and understanding.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our writer promised the director "no such mile would be attempted by tobacco users if only they were given their gently requested inch".

The New Yorker

After the fat PA official had delivered his message to the gaunt Mr Abu Mariya, gently requesting good behaviour, he too found his exit blocked by Israeli soldiers, who had put boulders at the entrance to Beit Omar.

The Economist

"Unanimous consent to grant the member extra time," Mr. Watt gently requested of the chair, gaining a few minutes more for Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican, to speak dolefully of the President.

The New York Times

The candidates never seemed to clash, and they gently requested extra time when they felt an issue deserved it, as when Mr. Lieberman called attention to the Democrats' "very exciting tax credit program".

The New York Times

Saying thank you, expressing gratitude should be taught to your kids (or gently requested from your partner).

Huffington Post

You can bolster your point by gently requesting that your partner repeat back to you what he or she heard you say.

Huffington Post

At the Boeing lunch, he selected two written questions from a pile submitted by people in the audience, both of which turned out to be gently worded requests for him to expand on his vision for bilateral ties.

The New York Times

"Personally, I make a decision to request, gently, for Mayor Noramie Jasmin and Deputy Mayor Joseph Desmaret to step down," Mr. Leon added, asking the two to respond.

The New York Times

Among the objects on display, assembled with the help of his widow, Christiane, and his longtime executive producer, Jan Harlan, Mrs. Kubrick's brother, are personal letters, including one from Katharine Hepburn gently rejecting a request to star in a film; a Dali-inspired lip-shaped red settee seen in "Lolita"; and the zero-gravity bathroom door used in "2001".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gently request", ensure the context aligns with a need for politeness and consideration. It's best suited for situations where a direct command would be inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "gently request" in situations that require directness or authority. Overusing it can make your communication seem weak or lacking in confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gently request" functions as a verb phrase used to express a polite and considerate way of asking for something. Ludwig provides examples where it softens the tone of a demand or makes a request more palatable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gently request" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for making polite requests. Ludwig AI indicates that it’s appropriate when consideration and politeness are valued. While less common, its use is seen across various contexts including news, science, and formal communications. The phrase functions to soften demands and maintain positive relationships. Related phrases include "kindly ask" and "politely inquire", which offer similar levels of politeness. It's important to use "gently request" judiciously, avoiding overuse in situations demanding directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Kindly ask

Replaces 'request' with 'ask' while retaining a polite tone through 'kindly'.

Politely inquire

Substitutes 'request' with 'inquire' and reinforces politeness with 'politely'.

Respectfully ask

Emphasizes the respect conveyed in the request.

Humbly solicit

Uses 'solicit' to mean 'ask for' and emphasizes modesty with 'humbly'.

Mildly suggest

Less direct, implies a subtle encouragement rather than a direct request.

Softly petition

Implies a formal request made in a gentle manner.

Considerately seek

Focuses on the thoughtfulness behind the request.

Lightly propose

Suggests a tentative and non-forceful way of asking.

Delicately press for

Implies urging something forward with gentleness.

Subtly appeal

Indicates making an indirect and gentle appeal.

FAQs

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

You can use "gently request" when you want to ask for something in a polite and courteous way. For example, "I would gently request that you review the attached document." /s/kindly+ask

What is a good alternative to "gently request"?

Alternatives to "gently request" include phrases like "politely ask", "kindly ask", or "respectfully request", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "gently request" when making a request?

No, using "gently request" depends on the context and your relationship with the person you are asking. If formality and politeness are important, then it is appropriate. In more casual settings, a simple request is often sufficient.

What's the difference between "gently request" and "demand"?

"Gently request" implies politeness and a non-forceful approach. "Demand", on the other hand, implies authority and a firm expectation of compliance. They are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of tone and power dynamic.