prior request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior request" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a request that was made earlier in time, often in formal or professional contexts. Example: "In response to your prior request, I have attached the necessary documents for your review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

About a quarter of the games they go to are by prior request from parents, Mr. DiFalco said.

The New York Times

We propose an algorithm enabling clients to locate tentatively the closest data replica without prior request to any metadata node.

Future Generation Computer Systems

There is no audio description for the film but live audio description can be arranged by prior request.

University of California, Berkeley

According to police, hotel management asked them to arrest the 27-year-old for trespassing when he entered the hotel for a second time and refused to leave, shortly after complying with a prior request to exit.

The Guardian

Although they state that "unsolicited goods" can be treated as unconditional gifts that do not need to be returned, and that it is illegal for the sender to threaten legal action - the legislation they are based on adds the qualification that this only applies if there was no "prior request made by or on behalf of the recipient".

BBC

In State v Brown for example, the assumed facts were that the defendant beat his wife when she drank alcohol, doing so at her prior request, as she thought this would be the most effective way to cure her severe alcoholism.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Her office did not respond to Post investigators' prior requests for an interview.

The Washington Post

In her statement, Ms. Lofgren called the demand "unprecedented" — typically the ethics committee works in bipartisan secrecy — and said that the Republicans were acting "in contrast to their prior requests and ongoing discussions" about scheduling the hearings.

The New York Times

Apple has reportedly denied prior requests by Google and Motorola to reveal its source code.

TechCrunch

The prices that are set for each user reflect how responsive a user has been to prior requests and have nothing to do with the quality of potential answers.

TechCrunch

Without a relationship established prior, requests for backlinks, social shares, introductions, and so forth, tend to fall on deaf ears.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prior request", ensure it's clear which specific request you are referencing, especially if multiple requests have been made. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in communication.

Common error

Avoid using "prior request" without context, especially in scenarios where multiple requests are involved. Instead, provide specific details or identifiers to clarify which "prior request" you are referring to, preventing confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior request" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "in response to your prior request") or as a modifier in a noun phrase (e.g., "the prior request form"). According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

31%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prior request" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase. It serves to reference something that was requested at an earlier time, and it sees frequent use across news, academic, and scientific contexts. Ludwig confirms its proper usage. While alternatives such as "previous request" or "earlier request" exist, "prior request" maintains its utility in formal and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous request

Uses "previous" instead of "prior", a direct synonym.

earlier request

Employs "earlier" to indicate that the request happened before the current one.

request made previously

Reorders the words while retaining the original meaning.

request submitted earlier

Substitutes "made" with "submitted" for emphasis.

aforementioned request

Formal alternative indicating a request already mentioned.

request from before

Informal rewording, using "from before" for simpler phrasing.

the request preceding this one

More descriptive and formal, clarifies sequence.

first request

Implying it was the initial request of several.

preceding application

More formal and specific in the subject, indicating order.

initial application

Refers to the start or origin in a formal setting.

FAQs

What does "prior request" mean?

The phrase "prior request" refers to a request that was made at an earlier time. It's often used in formal or professional contexts to refer back to a previously submitted inquiry or application.

What can I say instead of "prior request"?

You can use alternatives like "previous request", "earlier request", or "aforementioned request depending on the context".

How do I use "prior request" in a sentence?

You can use "prior request" to refer to something that was requested at an earlier time. For example, "In response to your "prior request", we have processed your application." or "Following your "prior request", we are now able to provide the necessary documentation".

Is there a difference between "prior request" and "previous request"?

While both phrases are very similar, "previous request" might be slightly more common in everyday conversation, whereas "prior request" can feel slightly more formal. Both are generally interchangeable without any significant change in meaning.