polite request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "polite request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to do something in a courteous and respectful manner. For example, "I am making a polite request that you return the books you borrowed from me two weeks ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By polite request?

The Guardian

When Underwood's interview ended, he had a polite request.

The New York Times - Sports

Make a polite request to turn it down?

The New York Times

Congress, doubtless seeing the difficulty in turning down a polite request from its benefactor, reversed itself.

The Economist

But it will take a lot more than a polite request to break the logjam.

The New York Times

You can imagine a "please" appended to Respect Beer, in the form of a polite request.

The New York Times - Food

It's not likely a polite request will produce an instant cessation of the annoyance anyway.

The New York Times

Since we were staying the night, I sent a polite request to the mosque's imam.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is available on polite request to any of those named above.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the day of this Gulliver's visit, however, a polite request elicited only questions and a dismissive wave.

The Economist

Conversation in daily situations such as making a polite request or suggestion, reading simple texts, and Korean culture.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making a "polite request", ensure your tone remains respectful and considerate throughout the communication. Using phrases like 'please' and 'thank you' can greatly enhance the reception of your request.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary qualifiers that weaken your "polite request". Phrases like 'I was just wondering if...' can undermine your request and make it seem less important. Be direct yet courteous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "polite request" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the act of asking for something in a courteous manner. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from formal letters to casual conversations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "polite request" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, serving to soften demands and foster positive interactions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers, ranging from neutral to professional. When employing this phrase, it's essential to maintain a respectful and considerate tone, avoiding qualifiers that might weaken the request's impact. Consider alternatives like "courteous request" or "respectful appeal" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courteous request

Replaces 'polite' with 'courteous', emphasizing respect and good manners.

well-mannered request

Expands 'polite' to 'well-mannered', emphasizing good behavior and etiquette.

respectful appeal

Shifts from 'request' to 'appeal', suggesting a more earnest and formal approach.

considerate appeal

Emphasizes thoughtfulness and empathy in the request.

gracious invitation

Changes 'request' to 'invitation' and 'polite' to 'gracious', indicating a friendly and welcoming tone.

civil entreaty

Substitutes 'polite' with 'civil' and 'request' with 'entreaty', resulting in a more formal and somewhat archaic expression.

humble solicitation

Replaces 'polite' with 'humble' and 'request' with 'solicitation', implying deference and a formal approach.

gentle suggestion

Replaces request with a suggestion, implying a less forceful approach.

formal inquiry

Moves from a request to an inquiry, giving it a more investigative tone and formality.

deferential query

Replaces polite with deferential, and request with query, adding a higher level of respect.

FAQs

How can I make a "polite request" in an email?

Start with a greeting, clearly state your request, use 'please' and 'thank you', and end with a closing. For example: "Dear [Name], I am writing to make a "polite request" regarding [subject]. Would you please [action]? Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]".

What's the difference between a "polite request" and a demand?

A "polite request" is a courteous way of asking someone to do something, leaving room for them to decline. A demand, on the other hand, implies an expectation of compliance and can come across as forceful or even aggressive. It's all about tone and the implicit understanding of choice.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "polite request"?

You can use alternatives like "courteous request", "respectful appeal", or "gracious invitation" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it always effective to make a "polite request"?

While a "polite request" is generally well-received, its effectiveness depends on the relationship with the recipient, the nature of the request, and the context. In some situations, a more direct approach may be necessary, while in others, politeness is key to achieving a positive outcome.