one last request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one last request" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you are asking for something and anticipate that it may be the last time that you do so. For example, "One last request: please ensure that your homework is completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

As his daughter Jewher Ilham accepted the award on his behalf, she had one last request from the luminaries in the room, who included James Salter, Jennifer Egan, John Waters and even members of Pussy Riot: support the campaign for her father's release online with the hashtag #FreeIlham.

Huffington Post

Jason made what turned out to be one last request of his roommate and fellow member of the Corey group.

The New York Times - Magazine

When I'd finished digitally detailing my health history, the final screen seemed to mock me with one last request: Could I please acknowledge that I'd received a copy of the office's privacy practices?

MIT Technology Review

Mirasta: "I have one last request, Captain.

Huffington Post

And, if you don't mind, we have one last request CMT.

Huffington Post

The leader of the free world also has one last request for his visitor: "Just stay out of those drawers and don't push any of those buttons".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Non-respondents were called up to three times and no more than once per day; those with whom we were unable to establish telephone contact were sent one last follow-up request by email in late September.

British Medical Journal

almost macabre ceremony" that persuaded him to one day fulfill the last request of Frederick the Great, and bring him back to Sans Souci.

Los Angeles Times

A sincere smile is requested, one last time.

The New Yorker

Simultaneously with Jack's calculated request for "one last go", Fiona finds herself called to try the case of a teenage Jehovah's Witness, a brilliant and beautiful boy named Adam Henry, who is refusing the blood transfusions that might cure his leukaemia.

The Guardian - Books

The jurors deliberated for a day, and one of their last requests was to hear the testimony of Mr. Pichardo and the detective about the disputed conversation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one last request" to clearly signal the finality of your asking, especially in situations where multiple requests have already been made. This helps set expectations and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "one last request" in a way that suggests you are entitled to the request being granted. Frame it as a polite and considerate ask, acknowledging the other party's discretion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one last request" functions as a discourse marker, signaling the final item in a series of requests or demands. It prepares the listener for the concluding element of an interaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one last request" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned way to indicate the concluding element in a series of requests. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its use across News & Media, Scientific, and Academic contexts suggests its versatility. When using the phrase, ensure your tone is polite and does not imply entitlement. Consider alternatives like "a final plea" or "one final wish" to adjust the emotional weight of your statement. This phrase is a useful tool for setting expectations and ensuring clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last thing I'm asking

A more conversational way to express a final request.

one final wish

Substitutes 'request' with 'wish', suggesting a more personal desire.

my ultimate ask

Emphasizes that this is the most important or final thing being asked.

my parting wish

Indicates the request is made as someone is leaving or concluding something.

a final plea

Replaces 'request' with a word that emphasizes emotional appeal.

my last requirement

Uses 'requirement' to suggest a necessary condition.

a final favor

Uses 'favor' to suggest a request that benefits the speaker.

a concluding demand

Uses 'demand' to indicate a stronger, less negotiable request.

the last thing I need

Expresses the request as something essential for completion.

one final inquiry

Replaces 'request' with 'inquiry', suggesting a question or investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "one last request" in a sentence?

You can use "one last request" to introduce a final thing you need or want. For example, "Before I leave, I have "one last request": please water my plants while I'm away."

What are some alternatives to saying "one last request"?

Alternatives include "a final plea", "one final wish", or "my ultimate ask", depending on the context and tone you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "one last request" in formal settings?

While "one last request" is generally acceptable, consider the formality of the setting. In highly formal situations, a more direct and polite phrasing might be preferable, such as "May I make a final inquiry?"

What does it imply when someone says "one last request"?

It generally implies that this is the final thing being asked for or needed, suggesting a sense of closure or completion to a series of interactions or tasks.