request an audience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'request an audience' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when one wants to request to meet with someone in order to talk or discuss something - usually someone in a position of authority. For example, you could write: "I am writing to request an audience with the Governor to discuss environmental policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I had to request an audience in order to see him," a friend recalls.

The New Yorker

They might then request an audience with the principal, superintendent or other administrators to pitch their ideas.

The New York Times

As if that weren't enough, Grace proved spirited enough to request an audience with none other than Queen Elizabeth.

Britannica

In the late 1970's, he traveled to Brasília to request an audience with President Ernesto Geisel to try to secure blankets and shoes for the Xavante.

The New York Times

Think of it this way: how many people can arrive in virtually any country with a minimum of pomp or protocol and then request an audience with the head of state, and receive one?

The New York Times - Sports

Instead of a day watching football, Jack will request an audience for his one man show, in which he has choreographed his own dance routines to all the musical numbers in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Powell "senses a war fever" emitted by the White House and requests an audience with the president.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Trump requested an audience with the bank's bond salesmen.

The New York Times

Ronald Reagan became curious enough about Mr. Carroll that he requested an audience.

The New York Times

Her letter, which was eighteen pages long, requested an audience with "Mister respectable, merciful American ambassador Pawal Bramar".

The New Yorker

Madonna also reportedly requested an audience with President Joyce Banda, the country's first female president, but this was ignored.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "request an audience", consider the formality of the situation. It's most appropriate when seeking a meeting with someone of high authority or in a formal context.

Common error

Avoid using "request an audience" in casual or informal situations. Phrases like "can we talk?" or "let's meet up" are more appropriate in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request an audience" functions as a verb phrase used to express the act of formally seeking a meeting or hearing with someone, typically someone in a position of authority. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "request an audience" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for formally seeking a meeting, typically with someone in a position of authority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, carrying a formal and professional tone. Alternatives such as "seek a meeting" or "arrange a meeting" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the context to avoid over-formality in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek a meeting

Replaces "audience" with "meeting", focusing on the act of trying to get a meeting scheduled.

arrange a meeting

Emphasizes the organizational aspect of setting up the meeting.

ask for an appointment

Uses a more formal term, "appointment", to indicate a scheduled meeting.

request a conference

Substitutes "audience" with "conference", suggesting a more formal discussion.

seek a private conversation

Highlights the desire for a one-on-one talk, removing the formality.

schedule a visit

Focuses on the act of planning a visit to meet someone.

seek an interview

Suggests a meeting with a specific purpose, such as for journalism or employment.

solicit a hearing

Implies a formal request for a chance to be heard, often in a legal or official context.

apply for a consultation

Suggests seeking expert advice or guidance from someone.

arrange to see

A more general way of saying one wants to meet with someone.

FAQs

What does "request an audience" mean?

To "request an audience" means to formally ask for a meeting or private hearing with someone, typically someone in a position of power or authority.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "request an audience"?

This phrase is suitable for formal situations, such as seeking a meeting with a political leader, a CEO, or another high-ranking individual. For more casual settings, less formal language is more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "request an audience"?

Alternatives include "seek a meeting", "arrange a meeting", or "ask for an appointment". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

How can I use "request an audience" in a sentence?

Example: "The activist group planned to travel to the capital to "request an audience" with the Prime Minister."