request to

USAGE SUMMARY

"request to" is a correct expression to use in written English.
You can use it when you want to note that someone is making a request. For example: "The letter included a request to arrive early on Saturday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You must request to join the group.

The New York Times - Arts

(Bachmann declined a request to respond).

The New Yorker

He declined a request to be interviewed.

The New York Times - Health

Our request to the D.E.P. still stands.

The New York Times

He faxed the request to the company.

The New York Times

Mr. Pitt declined a request to elaborate.

The New York Times

News International declined a request to comment.

The Guardian

Again, he repeated the request to Grace.

The Guardian

Rockefeller's request to establish his foundation.

The New Yorker

Their request to wear masks during the march was denied.

The New Yorker

Mr. D'Angelo's request to sell his shares makes no sense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "request to", ensure the context is clear about who is making the request and to whom it is directed. For clarity, specify both the requester and the recipient of the request.

Common error

Avoid using "request to" in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "ask to" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request to" functions as a prepositional phrase following a noun or verb, indicating the act of formally asking for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "request to" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate the act of making a formal request or application. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common occurrence across different writing styles. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for professional or formal settings, whereas simpler alternatives are preferable for casual conversations. Remember to clearly specify the requester and the recipient to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "ask for" or "seek permission to" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for

A straightforward and common way to express making a request.

seek permission to

Directly asks for authorization, emphasizing the need for approval.

application for

This alternative highlights the formal submission aspect of a request, often used in professional settings.

petition for

Emphasizes a more formal and sometimes legalistic request, often involving a group.

appeal for

Suggests a more urgent or emotional request, often seeking help or support.

plea for

Conveys a strong sense of urgency and need in the request.

bid for

Implies a competitive request, often in business or politics.

motion for

Commonly used in legal or formal meeting contexts, indicating a formal proposal.

entreaty for

A formal and earnest request.

claim for

Signifies a demand for something believed to be owed or deserved.

FAQs

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

You can use "request to" when you want to express that someone is making a formal inquiry or asking for something. For example, "The organization sent a "request to" the city council for additional funding."

What can I say instead of "request to"?

You can use alternatives like "ask for", "seek permission to", or "apply for" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "request to" or "ask to"?

The choice between "request to" and "ask to" depends on the level of formality. "Request to" is generally more formal and suitable for professional or official communication, while "ask to" is more casual.

When is it inappropriate to use "request to"?

It might be inappropriate to use "request to" in very informal or casual conversations. In those situations, using simpler terms like "ask" or "would like" is preferable.