little request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little request" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a small or minor request, often to soften the tone of the request. Example: "I have a little request; could you please pass me the salt?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I have a third little request which I wish to make.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On an album released earlier this year, Ms. Crow has a song titled "Diamond Ring," with the lyrics: We made love all day In our little hideaway But I blew up our love nest By making one little request Diamond ring.

The New York Times

Whatever else I might have been inclined to think of Bush's call for comity, with his simple little request, his assumption that prayer is some sort of miracle Vicks VapoRub for the national charley horse, it was clear that his hands were reaching for any hands but mine.

The New York Times - Magazine

Right now, when you land on a site that needs your location, Chrome immediately pops up a little request at the top of the browser window, even though you may not even really know what the site is all about.

TechCrunch

When Seth Freedland reserved a room at the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, California, he made one teeny-weeny little request: Fill the room with Jeff Goldblum photos.

HuffPost

WASHINGTON ― Tucked near the bottom of President Donald Trump's new executive order on refugees and travel from six Muslim-majority nations is a striking little request.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

All the little requests players receive during any given week can really build up.

The New York Times

The current alarming spread of obesity in many parts of the world is caused by a sudden environmental shift characterized by replacement of a frugal diet with low cost, energy dense food, and little requests for physical activity during work and leisure time.

Advances in Clinical Chemistry

And I'll always be the one in their lives who listens to those little requests, because they're actually the big requests.

HuffPost

We measure our worth by sending out endless pings: little requests for feedback about how valuable we are to each other — which we hope will provide affirmation along with clarity about the things we need to change.

Huffington Post

The rape by coach; it's little in request.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little request" to soften the tone when asking someone to do something, making it sound less demanding or imposing. For example: "I have a "little request"; could you proofread this short email before I send it?"

Common error

Avoid using "little request" too frequently, as it can sound insincere or patronizing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "small favor" or "minor request" to keep your communication genuine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little request" functions primarily as a pre-modifier to the noun "request", indicating the size or significance of the request. This makes it an adjective phrase modifying a noun. As shown by Ludwig, it's a common way to introduce a task or favor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little request" is a grammatically sound phrase used to preface a minor or easily manageable solicitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase that functions as an adjective modifying a noun to soften a request. Though primarily used in News & Media, it also appears in academic contexts. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "small favor" or "minor request". Remember that being such an informal expression, depending on the context or audience, a more formal expression may be required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small favor

Focuses on the act of kindness being asked, rather than the formality of a request.

minor request

Emphasizes the insignificance of the request.

small ask

A more concise and informal way of phrasing the request.

simple request

Highlights the straightforward nature of what is being asked.

easy request

Implies the request won't require much effort.

modest request

Suggests the request is humble and not excessive.

slight request

Highlights how insignificant the request may be.

tiny request

Underscores the minimal nature of the request.

brief request

Focuses on the short amount of time it'll take to fulfill the request.

small prayer

This suggests a hope or wish being expressed, subtly different from a direct request.

FAQs

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

You can use "little request" to preface a minor ask, softening the demand. For example: "I have a "little request": could you water my plants while I'm away?"

What's a more formal way to say "little request"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "modest request" or "minor request". These alternatives maintain politeness while sounding more professional.

What can I say instead of "little request"?

You can use alternatives like "small favor", "simple request", or "small ask" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "little request" in professional settings?

While "little request" is generally polite, it may sound too informal in some professional contexts. Assess your audience and the situation to determine if a more formal alternative is more suitable.