respectfully ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "respectfully ask" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to convey politeness or a formal tone when making a request or asking for something. Here is an example: "I respectfully ask that you consider my proposal for the project. I believe it will have a positive impact on our company's bottom line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I respectfully ask him to reconsider.

The New York Times

He said "I respectfully ask that you stop publishing those documents.

The New Yorker

I really hope that he will, and I will respectfully ask him to do exactly that".

The Guardian

I respectfully ask the Inferno Coral Director why this is so.

The Guardian - Sport

"We respectfully ask that the Department of the Treasury bring back paper savings bonds and keep this American tradition alive".

The New York Times

We respectfully ask him to accept our assurances and wish him well with all future endeavours," said the band.

Independent

"We respectfully ask Gaviria to hear us out," said Rear Adm. Daniel Comisso, one of the anti-Chávez officers.

The New York Times

"But I also do respectfully ask that people know a little bit more about what I have done".

The New Yorker

"I grieve with you for your loss and suffering; and humbly and respectfully ask for your forgiveness," added Nicholson.

The Guardian

The voters would then respectfully ask policy questions — about Mrs. Clinton's plans for health care, education and economic development.

The New York Times

We respectfully ask that any future articles reflect the differences between the positions and actions of companies in our industry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "respectfully ask", ensure that the context aligns with the level of formality intended. It's best suited for professional correspondence, formal requests, or situations where demonstrating respect is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "respectfully ask" in casual conversations or informal emails, as it can sound overly formal or even insincere. Opt for more relaxed phrases like "could you please" or "would you mind".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "respectfully ask" primarily functions as a performative utterance, used to enact the action of asking while conveying deference. Ludwig examples showcase it in requests directed to authorities or in formal communications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "respectfully ask" is a phrase used to make polite and formal requests, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news media and formal communication, make it a reliable choice. However, it is best reserved for situations where formality and deference are important, avoiding overuse in casual settings. When a less formal approach is desired, consider alternatives like "politely request" or "kindly ask".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

politely request

Emphasizes politeness, similar to "respectfully ask", but may be slightly less formal.

kindly ask

Emphasizes gentleness and goodwill in making the request.

humbly request

Adds a tone of humility, suggesting a deferential approach in making the request.

sincerely appeal

Expresses a heartfelt and genuine request, often for support or understanding.

earnestly implore

Conveys a strong, sincere plea, often used in more emotional contexts.

deferentially inquire

Indicates a respectful and considerate manner of asking, showing deference to the recipient's position or authority.

formally request

Highlights the official or structured nature of the request, suitable for professional settings.

beseech

A more emphatic and urgent form of asking, carrying a sense of deep concern.

respectfully suggest

Softens the request by framing it as a suggestion, useful in collaborative environments.

cordially invite

Combines politeness with an invitation, making it suitable for events or participation requests.

FAQs

How can I use "respectfully ask" in a sentence?

You can use "respectfully ask" to make a polite request, such as "I "respectfully ask" that you consider my proposal" or "We "respectfully ask" for your understanding in this matter."

What are some alternatives to "respectfully ask"?

Alternatives include "politely request", "humbly request", or "kindly ask" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "respectfully ask"?

"Respectfully ask" is appropriate in formal settings, professional communications, or when addressing someone in a position of authority. It conveys politeness and deference.

Is "respectfully ask" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, using "respectfully ask" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or even awkward. Simpler phrases like "could you" or "please" are generally more suitable for informal contexts.