making a request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a request" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express the act of asking for something formally or informally. Example: "I am making a request for additional resources for the project." Alternative expressions include "placing a request" and "submitting a request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

A year ago, Ms. Shapiro began making a request to fellow New Yorkers: Bring me your shoes.

The New York Times

Of course, as with any assessment of competence for the purposes of health care decision-making, if an individual physician is uncertain about the competence of the person making a request, she must take all necessary steps to resolve this uncertainty (e.g. consulting with a colleague with greater experience or expertise).

Bioethics

There is no note making a request to the A.F.A., but the executive committee only meets today.

The New York Times

The force has been receiving assistance from the Crown Prosecution Service after making a request for advice in December.

The Guardian

Server logs: when you load a page on a website, you are making a request to that website's server.

The Guardian - Tech

"This talk about the Palestinians making a request for him to visit a hospital is unfounded," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mike Woodson made a request early.

The New York Times - Sports

So he made a request.

The New York Times

He made a request".

The New Yorker

They also made a request for privacy.

The Guardian

Contact Brighton council to make a request.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, specify what the request is directed at, such as "making a request to the server" to ensure precision.

Common error

Avoid using "making a request" if the recipient has no choice but to comply. In such cases, use words like "giving an order" or "issuing a directive" to reflect the power dynamic accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a request" functions as a gerund phrase that behaves as a noun. In the corpus provided by Ludwig, it often acts as the object of a preposition (e.g., "after making a request") or the direct object of a verb. Its structure consists of the present participle "making" combined with the noun phrase "a request".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making a request" is a versatile and essential tool in the English language. According to Ludwig's data, it is a Very common expression used to describe the act of asking for something with a degree of formality and respect. Whether you are navigating complex medical ethics, communicating with a server in a technical context or simply asking a favor from a colleague, this phrase provides a clear and grammatically sound framework. Ludwig AI confirms that while informal alternatives like "asking" exist, "making a request" remains the preferred choice for professional and written communication due to its polite and objective tone. By understanding its nuances—such as the difference between a request and a demand—writers can communicate more effectively and achieve better outcomes in their interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submitting a request

Implies a more formal or administrative process, often involving a form or a digital system

placing a request

Frequently used in the context of services, orders or library systems

lodging a request

Carries a more formal or official tone, often used in legal or bureaucratic contexts

filing a request

Suggests a formal procedure where the request is recorded in an official file

asking for something

The most common and informal way to express the same idea in speech

putting in a request

An idiomatic and slightly more casual way to describe the act of requesting

initiating a request

Emphasizes the starting point of a process or a technical workflow

issuing a request

Suggests a sense of authority or a public announcement of a need

tendering a request

Extremely formal and somewhat rare, often used in high-level diplomatic or legal settings

expressing a wish

Focuses on the desire behind the request rather than the formal act of asking

FAQs

How to use "making a request" in a sentence?

You can use it as a noun phrase in various positions. For example: "She is currently "making a request" for more time" or "Before "making a request", ensure you have all the facts."

What can I say instead of "making a request"?

Depending on the tone, you can use "submitting a request", "placing a request" or the simpler "asking for" something.

What is the difference between "making a request" and "making a demand"?

The main difference is the expectation of compliance. When you are "making a request", you allow the other person to say no. A "making a demand" implies that compliance is required.

Is "making a request" formal enough for business letters?

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for formal correspondence. If you want to sound even more official, you might consider "lodging a formal request".