requesting assistance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "requesting assistance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need help or support from someone, often in formal or professional contexts. Example: "I am writing to you today requesting assistance with the upcoming project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With conditions deteriorating in Tripoli, with mounting food and gasoline shortages, thousands of foreign nationals there are now requesting assistance to leave the country, a major intergovernmental relief group that assists migrants reported Friday.

The New York Times

Nettleton had made contact with Australian authorities last year, he said, requesting assistance to get out.

The Guardian

He wrote a letter to the Father requesting assistance in finding her.

The New Yorker

They are prohibited from asking about the status of crime victims, witnesses and people requesting assistance.

The New York Times

Both groups report an increase in needy families requesting assistance this year.

The New York Times

Henkey's voice was heard in recordings of the mayday call requesting assistance.

The Guardian

Then said partner's twitchy son (Luke Kirby) shows up, requesting assistance with a new con.

The New York Times

The telephones had died, and Mr. Goux began sending frantic e-mail messages to Tenet's headquarters in Dallas, requesting assistance.

The New York Times

It has sent Pakistan a letter that India says he wrote requesting assistance from his home country.

The New York Times

"We're getting more middle-class people requesting assistance," said Desiree L. Dancy, vice president of the Neediest Cases Fund.

The New York Times

Before requesting assistance, please visit the C-Kermit FAQ and see if it helps.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal requests, use "requesting assistance" to convey a professional and respectful tone. This phrase is suitable for letters, emails, and official communications.

Common error

While "requesting assistance" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "asking for help" or "needing a hand" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "requesting assistance" functions as a verb phrase typically used as a gerund or present participle. It often introduces a request within a formal context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a common and correct expression for seeking help.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "requesting assistance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for formally seeking help. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it maintains a professional tone suitable for official communications. Remember to reserve it for formal scenarios, opting for simpler alternatives in casual conversations. Related phrases include "seeking aid" and "asking for help". Overall, it's a reliable choice when a formal and respectful tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking aid

Focuses on the act of trying to obtain help, usually in a formal sense.

asking for help

Emphasizes the act of directly asking for support.

calling for help

Indicates a direct and possibly urgent request for assistance.

soliciting support

Implies a more proactive and persuasive approach to getting help.

appealing for aid

Suggests a more urgent or emotional need for help.

applying for support

Focuses on a formal process of seeking assistance, often in an official capacity.

petitioning for support

Implies a formal and respectful request for aid.

procuring assistance

Highlights the act of successfully obtaining help.

enlisting aid

Implies involving others to provide assistance.

needing support

Focuses on the state of requiring assistance, rather than the act of asking.

FAQs

How can I use "requesting assistance" in a sentence?

You can use "requesting assistance" in a sentence like this: "I am writing to you today "requesting assistance" with the upcoming project deadline."

What's a more informal way to say "requesting assistance"?

For a more informal tone, you can use phrases like "asking for help", "needing a hand", or "seeking support".

When is it appropriate to use "requesting assistance"?

"Requesting assistance" is best used in formal or professional contexts, such as official letters, emails, or reports. It conveys a sense of respect and professionalism.

What is the difference between "requesting assistance" and "demanding assistance"?

"Requesting assistance" implies a polite and respectful appeal for help, while "demanding assistance" suggests a forceful or authoritative expectation of help. The former is generally preferred in professional settings.