quietly request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quietly request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask for something in a subtle or unobtrusive manner. Example: "I would like to quietly request your assistance with the project, if you have a moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If he or she insists on yelling or throwing insults, quietly request a calmer attitude.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The cynicism at work in the House is underlined by the fact that even as Republican leaders target the public option, the Republican Party has quietly requested and received a tidy $17.7 million in public money to pay for its presidential convention next year (while offering no righteous outcries that it be offset by budget cutbacks).

The New York Times

At the same time, after a decades-long exodus, a new phenomenon is occurring: Tibetans are quietly requesting Chinese documents to go home, implicitly acknowledging that China's rule over Tibet is here to stay.

Los Angeles Times

Others are alarmed that I'm attending the Bash alone, and a friend in the police will say nothing on record but quietly requests I let him know I'm OK.

Vice

Some attorneys general have complied quietly with requests to repurpose the money, while others have protested.

The New York Times

I quietly delete the request.

The New York Times - Magazine

In mid-January, after Mr. Nadjari argued for dismissing the charges against his clients, Judge James Hudson of Suffolk County Court in Riverhead quietly granted his request without issuing a written decision.

The New York Times

However, what first appeared to be gearing up as an epic war between the FBI and Apple seemed to fizzle out when the United States Justice Department quietly withdrew its request for a court order requiring Apple to help the agency hack into the iPhone owned by San Bernadino shooter Syed Farook.

Huffington Post

Against the backdrop of its dispute with Moscow, the Uzbek government is said to have quietly conveyed its requests for military surplus to officials from NATO countries.

The New York Times

Late last week, Governor Deval Patrick and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts quietly released a Request-for-Information (RFI) on an esoteric new public financing concept.

Huffington Post

He was referring to what Israel said was the Palestinian Authority's practice of taking suspects into custody at Israel's request and quietly releasing them soon after.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quietly request" when you want to indicate a subtle or polite request, often to avoid drawing attention or causing disruption. It's suitable for situations where a direct or forceful approach is not desired.

Common error

While "quietly request" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very formal or official documents. In those settings, a more direct and clear phrasing might be preferable, such as "formally request" or "respectfully ask."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quietly request" functions as a verbal phrase where the adverb "quietly" modifies the verb "request". This indicates the manner in which the action of requesting is performed. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct way to express this concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quietly request" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a subtle and polite request. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "is correct" and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, suggesting a generally neutral register. While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal settings where more direct language might be preferable. Alternatives like "gently ask" or "softly appeal" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific communicative purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gently ask

This alternative emphasizes the mild and non-forceful manner of the request.

subtly suggest

Shifts the focus from a direct request to a more indirect suggestion.

softly appeal

Implies a more emotional and persuasive approach to the request.

discreetly inquire

Highlights the confidentiality and privacy aspects of the request.

humbly implore

Adds a sense of humility and earnestness to the request.

tactfully solicit

Focuses on the skillful and considerate way the request is made.

circumspectly seek

Emphasizes the cautious and careful nature of the request.

delicately broach

Highlights the sensitivity of the topic being requested.

deferentially ask

Shows respect and submission in making the request.

reserve the ask

Emphasizes the intention to make a formal ask, but in a lowkey manner.

FAQs

How can I use "quietly request" in a sentence?

You can use "quietly request" to express a subtle or polite request, for instance: "I will "quietly request" a meeting with the manager to discuss the issue further."

What are some alternatives to "quietly request"?

Alternatives include "gently ask", "softly appeal", or "discreetly inquire", depending on the context and desired nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "quietly request" instead of "formally demand"?

"Quietly request" is suitable when you want to be polite and avoid confrontation, while "formally demand" is used when you have the authority or need to insist on something strongly.

Is "quietly request" always appropriate in business communication?

Not always. While polite, it might be perceived as weak in situations requiring assertiveness. Consider the context and your relationship with the recipient before using it.