if they so request

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'if they so request' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations when you are asking permission from someone to do something, if they approve it. For example, "I can send the report to your manager if they so request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For instance, the ECJ has ruled that a person now has "the right to be forgotten," meaning companies may be required by law to delete someone's data if they so request.

TechCrunch

We have left in place, at least for now, Research 2000 poll results in active charts sponsored by others organizations, although we will also remove those if they so request.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But as many as 45.4% of patients from other sectors were also admitted to the MHH if they so requested.

BMC Health Services Research

The telephone service was never described, however, as a breastfeeding hotline, and women received assistance to formula feed if they so requested.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

This cooperation may, if we so request, include providing us with originals of your background Material and information, including access to your sources for our use for legal or compliance purposes.

Independent

Extradition back to Russia, even if Moscow so requested, would be difficult legally, and unthinkable politically.

The New York Times

The passport case, Zivotofsky v. Clinton, No. 10-699, dealt with a suit brought by the parents of Menachem B. Zivotofsky, who was born in Jerusalem in 2002, not long after Congress passed a law ordering the State Department to record the birthplace of children born in that city as Israel if parents so requested.

The New York Times

In contrast, 88.8% of patients reported that they would perform the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for CRC screening if so requested by doctors [ 45].

BMC Cancer

A total of 88.8% of patients reported that they would perform the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for CRC screening if so requested by PHC doctors or nurses.

BMC Cancer

Additionally, if the Chair decides to proceed to an electronic vote or if so requested by members or a political group or groups in the committee reaching at least the high threshold, votes can be taken by roll call.

European Parliament

The Secretary shall apply the provisions of this paragraph, in lieu of provisions under other crediting authority, only if so requested by the non-Federal interest.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by the context. While generally acceptable, "if they so request" can sometimes sound slightly formal; simpler alternatives like "if they ask" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "if they so request" in contexts that demand a casual or informal tone. In everyday conversation or less formal writing, a phrase like "if they ask" is often more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if they so request" functions as an adverbial clause that modifies a verb or clause, introducing a condition upon which the action or state depends. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a correct and usable part of the sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if they so request" is a grammatically sound and usable construction that introduces a condition contingent upon a request. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase finds application across diverse contexts, including news, science, formal communications, and academic writings. While generally neutral to formal, its level of formality means simpler alternatives may be preferred in more casual contexts. Usage analysis reveals it is frequently used in "News & Media", "Science" and "Formal & Business". When employing this phrase, clarify the referent of "they" to prevent ambiguity and consider more relaxed alternatives for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if they ask for it

Replaces "so request" with a more direct and informal phrasing.

should they request it

Uses a more formal and slightly more emphatic conditional structure.

if it is requested by them

Employs a passive voice construction, shifting the focus from the requester to the request itself.

at their request

A more concise and formal way of expressing the same conditional.

if they make a request

Substitutes the verb "request" with the noun "request" and verb "make".

upon their asking

Uses a gerund form of "ask", providing a slightly more archaic feel.

if such a request is made by them

Adds emphasis to the type of request being made, using "such a request".

contingent on their request

Replaces the "if" clause with a phrase indicating conditionality using "contingent on".

provided they request it

Uses "provided" to introduce the conditional clause, adding a touch of formality.

in the event that they request it

Offers a more elaborate and formal way to express the conditional scenario.

FAQs

How can I use "if they so request" in a sentence?

Use "if they so request" to indicate that an action will be taken only if someone specifically asks for it. For example, "We will remove the poll results "if they so request"".

What are some alternatives to "if they so request"?

Alternatives include "if they ask", "should they request it", or "at their request", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "if they so request" formal or informal?

"If they so request" leans towards a more formal register. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "if they ask" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "if they request" and "if they so request"?

While both convey a conditional request, "if they so request" adds a subtle layer of formality and emphasis compared to the more straightforward "if they request". The inclusion of "so" underscores the act of requesting.