please delete this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please delete this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request the removal of a specific item, message, or content. Example: "If you find any errors in the document, please delete this section before submitting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Please delete this message.

The New York Times - Books

If you have received this transmission in error, please delete this message from your system".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Please delete the tweet you've carelessly shared," the BBC reported her as having tweeting.

Independent

If not, please delete the bracketed language as Chatroulette should not state that it has security procedures in place if this is not currently the case.]".

TechCrunch

While the load cut during peak period by Peak Shifting Load would be shifted to the valley period and the electricity consumption could be remained, as shown as Fig. 2. (Please delete the following 'Fig. 2 Peak Shifting Load', it's added automatically when building up the PDF and I cannot tell why).

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

"Please delete me from this chain, I never signed up to this," requested Diana Verde Nieto from Positive Luxury.

Independent

To read this updated edition, please delete and re-download this week's issue by tapping and holding on the cover until a waste bin appears, tapping it and then tapping "Download".

The Economist

In order to avoid this, please delete any video to which you do not own the right, and refrain from uploading additional videos that infringe on the copyrights of others.

TechCrunch

Mr. Mazzetti did this for her but then emailed the entire column text to Marie E. Harf, then a public affairs official at the C.I.A., writing: "this didn't come from me… and please delete after you read.

The New York Times

Please delete Gerrymandering.

The New Yorker

Could you please delete it?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please delete this" when you want to politely request the removal of something specific, like a file, message, or comment. It's suitable for both formal and informal communication, though "kindly remove this" may be more appropriate for highly formal contexts.

Common error

While "please delete this" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal business communication. Consider more sophisticated phrasing like "I kindly request the removal of this" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please delete this" functions as an imperative request. According to Ludwig AI, it's a direct and polite way to ask someone to remove something, typically a message, file, or comment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please delete this" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to politely request the removal of something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It’s versatile, fitting into various contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "kindly remove this". While generally neutral in register, being mindful of context is important to avoid overuse in situations where a more formal tone is required. Remember to reserve it when you want the recipient to erase or permanently eliminate something, because as pointed out in the FAQ section, remove has a slightly different meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly remove this

Replaces "please delete" with a more formal "kindly remove".

please erase this

Uses "erase" instead of "delete", suggesting a complete removal.

can you delete this?

Phrased as a question, making the request slightly less direct.

remove this, please

Inverts the sentence structure, placing the request first for emphasis.

delete this immediately

Adds urgency by specifying "immediately".

please discard this

Uses "discard" instead of "delete", implying something is unwanted.

get rid of this, please

Uses the idiomatic "get rid of" for a more casual tone.

please cancel this

Replaces "delete" with "cancel", suitable for subscriptions or orders.

I request that you delete this

A more formal and explicit restatement of the request.

this should be deleted

Passive voice, making the request less direct and more of a suggestion.

FAQs

What is the best way to phrase a request for deletion?

The best way to phrase a request for deletion depends on the context and your relationship with the recipient. "Please delete this" is a polite and generally acceptable option. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "I kindly request the removal of this" or "Please discard this at your earliest convenience."

Are there more formal alternatives to "please delete this"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "I kindly request the removal of this", "Your prompt deletion of this would be appreciated" or "Please discard "this item" at your earliest convenience".

When is it appropriate to use "please delete this"?

"Please delete this" is appropriate in various contexts, from email correspondence and instant messaging to commenting on documents. It conveys a polite request for something to be removed and is suitable for both personal and professional settings.

What's the difference between "please delete this" and "please remove this"?

The phrases "please delete this" and "please remove this" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Delete" typically implies erasing or permanently eliminating something, while "remove" can refer to simply taking something away or relocating it. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired action.