politely request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "politely request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone for something in a courteous manner. Example: "I would like to politely request your assistance with this matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

How do I politely request that she stop?

The New York Times

And politely request a sentence-long break from my long-held belief that purple is my favourite colour.

Independent

Unable to access the agencies' raw files of evidence, it was forced to politely "request" summaries to be made.

The Guardian - Opinion

So when haredi Jews cannot book tickets early enough to ensure they sit together, it seems fair that they politely request that passengers be shifted around.

The Economist

For instance, Cookie and Gonger receive an order from two girls, identical twins, who politely request a pizza with mushrooms on one half and pineapple on the other.

The New Yorker

Up the Women has a great premise: a ladies' craft circle is politicised by Margaret (Hynes) into forming a group to "politely request women's suffrage".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Then, send a brief letter politely requesting the review.

The New York Times

It is politely requesting that Page 3 be discontinued.

The Economist

(Invitations to Iranian guests included an insert, in Farsi, politely requesting that they observe Islamic dress).

The New Yorker

Snow soon politely requested that he present the news from Germany.

Independent

She courageously pursued the men politely requesting their details, only to be mocked and finally ignored.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "politely request", ensure your tone remains genuinely courteous throughout the entire communication. Avoid passive-aggressive language or demanding phrasing that contradicts the initial politeness.

Common error

Avoid using "politely request" in situations that demand direct instructions or urgent commands. Overusing it can weaken your message in scenarios requiring authority or immediate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "politely request" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a courteous request. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used. It modifies the verb "request" to soften the tone and express respect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "politely request" is a common and grammatically sound way to make a courteous request, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is frequently used in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral to professional in register, it is important to consider the context and avoid overuse in situations demanding directness. Consider alternatives like "kindly ask" or "respectfully request" to tailor your tone. Ensure the phrase is used genuinely and doesn't clash with other elements of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly ask

Replaces "politely" with "kindly", emphasizing a gentle and considerate manner of asking.

courteously ask

Substitutes "politely" with "courteously", highlighting respect and good manners in the request.

respectfully request

Emphasizes deference and high regard in making the request, suitable for formal contexts.

humbly request

Adds a tone of humility to the request, suitable when asking for something significant or when in a subordinate position.

formally request

Indicates that the request is being made in an official or structured manner, often in writing.

earnestly ask

Conveys a sincere and serious tone in making the request, highlighting the importance of the request to the speaker.

would be grateful if you could

Frames the request as an expression of gratitude in advance, softening the directness of the request.

would appreciate it if you could

Similar to expressing gratitude, this emphasizes the speaker's appreciation for the action being requested.

I'd be obliged if you would

A more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way of making a request, indicating a sense of duty or obligation.

take the liberty of asking

Acknowledges that the request might be an imposition, but frames it as a necessary or permissible inquiry.

FAQs

How to use "politely request" in a sentence?

You can use "politely request" to introduce a courteous request. For example, "I would like to "politely request" a refund for the damaged item".

What can I say instead of "politely request"?

You can use alternatives like "kindly ask", "courteously ask", or "respectfully request" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "please" with "politely request"?

While not strictly redundant, using both "please" and "politely request" can sometimes sound overly formal. Choose the option that best fits the overall tone of your communication. In other cases, it may be necessary for emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "politely request" versus a more direct request?

Use "politely request" when addressing superiors, unfamiliar individuals, or in situations where maintaining a courteous tone is crucial. A more direct request may be suitable with colleagues or in informal settings where efficiency is prioritized.