only request that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only request that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a specific or limited request to someone. Example: "I only request that you submit your report by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Currently authorities may only request that families help out.

The Economist

We only request that detention issues not be included in the lesson plans".

The New York Times

The tape revealed the kidnapper's only request: that an official emissary be chosen to visit him and convey his demands.

The New York Times

Users can not only request that a company show what data it holds on them; they can also demand that it deletes all copies.

The Economist

Leaving our country is not a choice, but a matter of survival now; the only request that me, my wife, and newborn baby have is to find a job in the U.A.E".

The New York Times

Some religious communities may require that religious personages (e.g., priests, monks, nuns, shamans, priestesses, and others) garb themselves with appropriate types of religious dress at all times, whereas other religious communities may only request that religious dress be worn during rituals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When Mr. Weld said, "If you eradicate the deer herd on Shelter Island, you would reduce the tick population by 98percenttherehere were no protests, only requests that he elaborate.

The New York Times

An alliance of organizations representing education schools said in a statement at the time that grading them based on textbooks and course descriptions was like "evaluating the quality of restaurants by only requesting that menus be mailed to the evaluator — without sampling the food or visiting the site".

The New York Times

"The minister only requested that Keshi should handle the two games, since there was a vacuum".

BBC

Apple only requests that developers avoid "obscene, pornographic, offensive or defamatory" content but doesn't provide specific guidelines.

Forbes

First, the campaigns in these provinces did not deprive privately run coal mines access to the coal industry but only requested that they expand their production scale and enhance their mining technology.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only request that", ensure that the request is clear, concise, and polite. This phrase is best suited for formal or semi-formal contexts where you want to emphasize the singularity of your request.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "only request that" when you are implying multiple requests or conditions. Ensure that the sentence structure reflects that there is truly only one request being made to avoid confusing your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only request that" functions as a clause introducer, specifically to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a request or condition. As shown by Ludwig AI, this phrase often prefaces a specific demand or plea.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only request that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a single, specific request in a polite or formal context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure that your sentence clearly indicates a singular request to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "simply ask that" or "merely ask that" for similar meanings, but be mindful of the formality level required by your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Simply ask that

Replaces "only request" with a simpler, more direct phrasing.

Merely ask that

Uses "merely" instead of "only" to soften the request slightly.

Just ask that

Informal substitution for "only request that", emphasizing the simplicity of the request.

I would only ask that

Adds a personal element using "I would", making the request sound more polite and considerate.

My sole request is that

Emphasizes that there is only one request being made.

I respectfully request that

Adds a tone of respect and formality to the request.

All I ask is that

Expresses a request as the speaker's only need or requirement.

We would appreciate it if

Indirectly conveys a request by stating what would be appreciated.

It is our only stipulation that

Makes the request a condition or requirement, using more formal language.

Our single requirement is that

Highlights that the request is the only requirement, indicating its importance.

FAQs

How can I use "only request that" in a sentence?

The phrase "only request that" is used to express a single, specific request. For example, "I "only request that" you submit your report by the end of the week."

What's a more formal alternative to "only request that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "I respectfully request that" or "It is our only stipulation that".

What can I say instead of "only request that" in an informal context?

In a casual setting, you could say "Just ask that" or "Simply ask that" to convey a similar meaning with less formality.

Is it correct to say "I only request that" or "I request only that"?

Both forms are grammatically correct, but "I "only request that"" is more common and natural-sounding in modern English. The placement of "only" before "request" emphasizes the singularity of the request.