humbly request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "humbly request" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to politely ask for something when the speaker is aware of his or her lower relative social position to the listener. For example, "I humbly request your help in resolving this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Today I give you my head and instead humbly request your assistance".

The New York Times

Respected comrades, I humbly request that you now grant me permission to play our ace".

Independent

"I humbly request your intervention into the unjust revocation of the visa for my daughter and her children," he wrote.

The New Yorker

As he stood before three representatives of the families he said, "I humbly request your acceptance of my apology".

The New York Times

I humbly request that all royalty proceeds these earn be donated to medical science, for a study of why so many Americans can't find their Orwellian Bone.

The New York Times

"I humbly request to you all kindly do justice for Anuj and kindly make sure that students who come here for their studies, they have their own studies and go back to their own countries.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Your presence is humbly requested in Albuquerque.

The New Yorker

Chencho Wangdi, our horseman, became uneasy, and humbly requested that we pack up camp and leave.

The New York Times

"The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission humbly requests the president, as a reflection of his magnanimity, to grant amnesty to those prisoners and release them from the prison," the letter said.

The New York Times

"The commission humbly requests the president, as a reflection of his magnanimity, to grant amnesty to those prisoners and release them from the prison".

The Guardian

In 1940 Némirovsky, accustomed to being championed by the right, wrote a letter to Marshal Pétain, head of the Nazi-aligned Vichy government, objecting to the fact "that no distinction is made between the undesirable and honorable foreigners"; she humbly requested to be included in the "latter category".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "humbly request", ensure the context aligns with conveying genuine humility and respect. Overuse can appear insincere or overly subservient.

Common error

Avoid using "humbly request" in situations where you are already in a position of authority or equality. It can sound unnatural or even sarcastic if the power dynamic doesn't warrant such deference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "humbly request" functions primarily as a performative utterance, where the act of saying it performs the action of making a request. It adds a layer of politeness and deference to the request, signaling respect for the recipient. Ludwig shows a wide range of examples where this phrase is used to politely ask for something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Huffington Post

10%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "humbly request" is a phrase used to convey a polite and deferential request, often implying a recognition of a power dynamic or a desire to show respect. Ludwig AI validates that this is a proper phrase in English. While grammatically correct and generally well-received, it is important to use the phrase judiciously, as overuse or misuse in inappropriate contexts can diminish its sincerity. Alternative phrases like "respectfully request" or "earnestly request" may be more suitable depending on the specific situation. When in doubt, consider the relationship with the recipient and the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectfully request

Emphasizes politeness and deference, similar to "humbly request" but without the implication of lowliness.

earnestly request

Highlights the sincerity and seriousness of the request.

sincerely request

Indicates the genuineness of the request, focusing on honesty and openness.

politely request

Focuses on the courteous nature of the request, suitable for various social contexts.

respectfully ask

A more direct and simple way to convey respect when making a request.

deferentially request

Places a strong emphasis on submission and respect for authority.

meekly request

Indicates a gentle and submissive tone in making the request.

submissively request

Conveys a yielding and compliant attitude while making the request.

beseech

Implies a passionate and urgent plea, often used in formal or literary contexts.

implore

Indicates a desperate and fervent request, suggesting a critical need.

FAQs

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

You can use "humbly request" to politely ask for something, especially when you are aware of your potentially lower social position relative to the person you are asking. For instance, "I humbly request your assistance with this project."

What phrases are similar to "humbly request"?

Similar phrases include "respectfully request", "earnestly request", or "politely request".

Is it always appropriate to use "humbly request"?

No, using "humbly request" is not always appropriate. It is best suited for situations where genuine humility and respect are intended and the power dynamic warrants such deference. Overuse or misuse can appear insincere.

What is the difference between "humbly request" and "respectfully request"?

"Humbly request" implies a sense of lowliness or subordination in addition to politeness, whereas "respectfully request" simply emphasizes politeness and deference without necessarily implying a lower social standing.