request only for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request only for" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used when specifying that a request is limited to a certain condition or item, but the phrasing is awkward. Example: "I would like to request only for the latest version of the document."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

scaled back its request, asking only for the names of the staff members and of people present at the meetings, as well as the task force's costs.

The New York Times

The DOJ later downgraded its initial request, ultimately asking only for student data, but Jindal still used the case as an opportunity to attack President Barack Obama.

Huffington Post

Retroactive changes should be requested only for exceptional circumstances.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Guest accounts should be requested only for individuals who are not registered MIT undergraduate or graduate students, MIT faculty, or MIT on-campus staff but are working on Institute projects that make use of Athena or its related services.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He said the historic hotel has recently instituted an amnesty program, inviting former guests, or their descendants, to send back items that had been pilfered from the hotel, no questions asked, with the hotel requesting only for the history of the returned item.

The New York Times

The online tool can forward the requests only for articles with a number registered in the GS1 system [38].

Environmental Sciences Europe

Because loans must be balanced with other priorities, we are able to consider requests only for a limited number of items.

University of Chicago

Measurements performed by the Danish public transport provider DSB show that the maximum engine power is requested only for about 21% of time while for more than 41% of time the engine is idling with low or no load [9].

European Transport Research Review

9 Additional tests are requested only for those with positive results in the initial evaluation and are performed by major hospitals or centres other than the institute.

British Medical Journal

Some have criticized Mr. Bush for requesting "only" $30 billion for the next five years for AIDS and related problems, with the leading Democratic candidates having pledged to commit at least $50 billion if they are elected.

The New York Times

I'd request only the same rights for the many who prefer other forms of home, including the contemporary.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "request only for" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "request solely for" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Common error

The word "only" should be placed immediately before the word or phrase it modifies. Incorrect placement can change the meaning of your sentence. For instance, instead of saying 'I request only for information', say 'I only request information' or, better yet, 'I request information only'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request only for" attempts to function as a verb phrase indicating a limited or specific request. However, it's considered grammatically incorrect, making its function unclear in formal contexts. Ludwig AI identifies it as non-standard.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "request only for" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal English. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's better to use alternatives like "request solely for" or restructure the sentence to ensure clarity. While the intention is to limit a request, the phrase's incorrectness diminishes its effectiveness and appropriateness, especially in professional or academic settings. Remember to prioritize grammatical accuracy for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request solely for

Emphasizes that the request is limited exclusively to something. This is a direct substitution, correcting the grammar.

request just for

Indicates the request is specifically and only for a particular item or reason. Direct substitution with slightly less formality.

request exclusively for

Highlights that the request is strictly for a particular purpose or item, excluding others. More formal than "just for".

request merely for

Conveys that the request is simply for something, often downplaying the significance. Implies a smaller ask.

only request

A reordering of the words to correct the grammar, indicating that the request is limited. More grammatically sound.

ask only for

Replaces "request" with "ask", providing a more conversational tone while retaining the limitation. Less formal.

limit the request to

Specifies that the request is confined or restricted to certain parameters. This is a more verbose, but correct, alternative.

confine the request to

Similar to 'limit the request to', this emphasizes restriction to particular items. More formal and restrictive.

request specifically for

Highlights that a request is being made for something specific, suggesting it's not general. Adds emphasis.

request particularly for

Implies the request is targeted at a particular item or purpose. Suggests something stands out.

FAQs

What is the correct way to phrase a request that is limited to specific items?

Instead of using "request only for", you should use alternatives such as "request solely for" or "request just for" to ensure grammatical correctness.

What can I say instead of "request only for"?

You can use alternatives like "solely request", "ask only for", or "exclusively request" depending on the context.

Is "request only for" grammatically correct?

No, "request only for" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to rephrase your sentence using options like "request solely for" or "the only request".

How can I rewrite a sentence using "request only for" to improve its clarity?

To improve clarity, rewrite sentences using "request only for" with phrases like "request just for" or structure the sentence to place "only" directly before what it modifies such as "I only request".