request somebody to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request somebody to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to formally ask someone to perform a specific action or task. Example: "I would like to request you to do something about the ongoing issue in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need somebody to do something.

Independent

"I was expecting somebody to do something with broken bats.

The New York Times - Sports

What that means is don't wait for somebody to do something for you.

The New York Times

If I want somebody to do something, I will personally find them and tell them.

The New York Times

"Somebody needs to do something".

The New York Times

"Somebody has to do something with butter," he said.

The New Yorker

Somebody had to do something to create a market.

The New York Times - Sports

I was trying to become somebody, trying to do something".

The New York Times

But somebody has to do something to the medical profession, too," she said.

The New York Times

"Somebody has to do something," says Mr Ma of China's environmental and health-care problems.

The Economist

"She understood somebody needed to do something". Weast Won Acclaim for Work in N.C.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "request somebody to do something", ensure that the context is formal or professional. This phrase is well-suited for official correspondence or formal requests where politeness and clarity are important.

Common error

Avoid using "request somebody to do something" in casual conversations or informal settings. Opt for more natural alternatives like "ask" or "tell" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request somebody to do something" functions as a directive speech act, specifically a formal way of asking or instructing someone to perform an action. It sets a tone of politeness and respect, suitable for professional or official settings.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "request somebody to do something" serves as a formal and polite way to ask someone to perform an action. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a grammatically correct phrase, best suited for professional or official contexts. While simpler alternatives like "ask someone to do something" may be more appropriate for informal settings, this phrase maintains a tone of respect and clarity in more formal environments. Given the limited number of examples found by Ludwig, understanding its nuanced application across varied contexts remains essential for writers aiming to communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask someone to do something

More informal and direct alternative.

solicit someone to take action

A more formal and professional substitute.

entreat someone to perform a task

This is a more polite and earnest way to request.

implore someone to act

Conveys a sense of urgency or desperation.

charge someone with a task

This indicates assigning responsibility.

enjoin someone to fulfill an obligation

Implies a legal or moral duty.

commission someone to undertake

Suggests a formal arrangement or project.

direct someone to carry out

A more authoritative and less negotiable form of request.

instruct someone to execute

Implies a specific and detailed set of directions.

tell someone to do something

A straightforward and commanding instruction.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "request somebody to do something"?

You can use alternatives like "ask someone to do something", "solicit someone to take action", or "entreat someone to perform a task" depending on the context.

How to use "request somebody to do something" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to formally ask someone to perform an action. Example: "I formally request you to address this issue immediately", remember it works only with formal or professional contexts.

Is "request somebody to do something" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, it is. In everyday conversation, it's better to use simpler alternatives like "ask someone to do something". The phrase "request somebody to do something" is more appropriate for formal written communication.

What's the difference between "request somebody to do something" and "tell somebody to do something"?

"Request somebody to do something" implies a polite and formal ask, while "tell somebody to do something" is a direct command or instruction, which is less polite and may suggest a hierarchical relationship.