request for help

USAGE SUMMARY

'request for help' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to make a formal request for help or assistance from someone or something. For example: The mayor sent out a request for help to all of the local businesses in the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exploring the request for help in particular is considered to result in better-helped patients.

BMC Family Practice

The prelude to a request for help?

The Guardian - Business

But we must answer the Pakistani request for help".

The New York Times

Be as specific in your request for help as possible.

The New York Times

Consider how the request for help is made.

Harvard Business Review

Turn a request for help into a negotiation.

Harvard Business Review

They rode the rails to Atlanta, where Silas sent a request for help to Chandler's relatives.

The New York Times

For Mr. Putin, Mr. Kerry's request for help marked the achievement of a decade-old goal.

The New York Times

Should a request for help be turned down if it comes from a campaign contributor?

The New York Times

Police were slow to respond to her request for help, she said.

The Guardian

He said the government has previously refused his request for help with his security bills.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making a "request for help", be specific about the type of assistance needed and the expected outcome to ensure clarity and facilitate a helpful response.

Common error

Instead of a general "request for help", clearly define the problem and the specific actions you need assistance with. Vague requests often lead to unhelpful or delayed responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request for help" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies the action of asking for assistance or support. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "request for help" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the act of seeking assistance. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage. As evidenced by the numerous examples, this phrase appears frequently in various contexts, from formal news reports to scientific publications and business communications. While the phrase itself maintains a neutral register, the tone and formality can be adjusted depending on the surrounding language. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to ensuring an effective response. Alternatives like "plea for assistance" or "call for aid" can be employed to convey different nuances, such as urgency or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plea for assistance

Emphasizes the urgent or desperate nature of the request.

appeal for support

Highlights the need for backing or aid from others.

call for aid

Conveys a formal or official solicitation for assistance.

solicitation for help

Suggests a formal or organized effort to obtain assistance.

cry for help

Indicates a desperate or urgent need for assistance, often emotional.

application for assistance

Implies a structured and formal process for seeking help.

petition for help

Suggests a formal written request directed to an authority.

seeking assistance

Focuses on the act of actively looking for help.

need for support

Highlights the requirement of support to resolve an issue.

assistance needed

States directly that help is required, often in a concise manner.

FAQs

How can I use "request for help" in a sentence?

You can use "request for help" to indicate that someone is asking for assistance. For example, "The organization issued a "request for help" after the disaster".

What are some alternatives to "request for help"?

You can use alternatives like "plea for assistance", "appeal for support", or "call for aid" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "request for assistance" instead of "request for help"?

Yes, "request for assistance" is generally more formal than "request for help". The word "assistance" carries a more professional tone compared to "help".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cry for help" instead of "request for help"?

"Cry for help" is appropriate when emphasizing a desperate or urgent need for assistance, often in an emotional context. It suggests a more dire situation than a typical "request for help".