respectfully request you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "respectfully request you" is not entirely correct in standard written English.
It can be used when making a polite request, but it typically requires additional context or a slight rephrasing for clarity. Example: "I respectfully request you to consider my proposal during the meeting."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Therefore, I respectfully request you never attack me physically again.

The New York Times

I respectfully request you to ensure that vegan meals are available to Ms. Alekhina — and all prisoners.

The New York Times

He added: Africa is our problem, we hereby respectfully request you let us handle our own matters.

The New York Times

"And since we have met those standards in every respect, as confirmed by your planning commission, I respectfully request you grant us the authority to proceed with our construction without further delay".

Los Angeles Times

They respectfully request you use the form as shown to enter your comments online.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

With what sounds like a gathering of Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff reggae, Erika Badu phrasings, Joan Armatrading and Suzanne Vega acoustic guitar strumming, and Tracy Chapman lyrical sensibilities, the album Asa immediately grabs you and respectfully requests you pay attention.

Huffington Post

"Weighing these interests in the balance," Mr. Stern concluded, "I hope that you will agree that the public interest here is paramount, and I therefore respectfully request that you permit the people of New Jersey access to this information about a candidate for the office of United States senator".

The New York Times

However, I respectfully request that you and your office reconsider this decision and dismiss the two criminal charges this young man faces.

The New York Times - Sports

"That trade-off is simply not worth it to our country … Therefore, I respectfully request that you no longer consider my candidacy at this time".

The Guardian

"We respectfully request that you reiterate the Department's longstanding position that federal law prohibits gambling over the Internet, including intrastate gambling (e.g. lotteries)." Alisa Finelli, a spokeswoman for the Justice Department, declined to comment beyond saying that the department was considering the senators' letter.

The New York Times

"We respectfully request that you reconsider and reverse your administration's plans to transfer control of the Census Bureau and the 2010 census to the White House staff," the House Republican leader, John A. Boehner of Ohio, wrote Thursday in a letter to the president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a more direct and simpler phrasing, such as politely ask or humbly ask, depending on the level of formality required.

Common error

Avoid using "respectfully request you" in informal contexts. It can sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I'm asking you" or "Please" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "respectfully request you" functions as a polite directive, aiming to initiate a specific action from the addressed individual. Though functional, Ludwig AI notes the phrasing is somewhat awkward and benefits from restructuring for improved clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "respectfully request you" is used to make a polite request, primarily in formal contexts. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, this phrasing is often considered somewhat awkward and can benefit from restructuring for improved clarity and naturalness. More common and clearer alternatives include "I respectfully request that you..." or simpler phrases like "politely ask". Although used in various sources, including news and media, it's important to consider the tone and audience to ensure effective communication. Rephrasing may enhance the impact and clarity of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I respectfully request that you

Adds a personal pronoun for more clarity, indicating directness and accountability.

we respectfully request that you

Shifts perspective to a group making the request.

respectfully ask that you

Slightly alters the sentence structure while maintaining a respectful tone.

politely ask you

Replaces "respectfully request" with a more straightforward expression of politeness.

sincerely request you

Indicates a genuine and heartfelt request.

I politely request you

Uses a simpler and more direct way to express a polite request.

humbly ask you

Emphasizes humility and politeness in making a request.

earnestly request you

Conveys a sense of sincerity and urgency in the request.

I humbly request you

Combines humility with a direct request, suitable for formal contexts.

formally request you

Suggests a more official or business-like tone.

FAQs

How can I make "respectfully request you" sound more natural?

Adding a subject like "I" or "we" and rephrasing to "I/We respectfully request that you..." enhances clarity and sounds more natural. For instance, "I "respectfully request that you" consider my application" is clearer.

What's a less formal way to say "respectfully request you"?

Alternatives like "I'm asking you to", "Please", or "Kindly" are less formal. The choice depends on the specific context and your relationship with the person you're addressing.

Is it grammatically incorrect to say "respectfully request you"?

While not strictly incorrect, "respectfully request you" is often perceived as awkward. Adding a subject and 'that' improves the structure and flow, as in, "I respectfully request that you..."

When is it appropriate to use "respectfully request you"?

It's best suited for formal settings, such as official letters, legal documents, or interactions with authority figures. However, even in these contexts, rephrasing for clarity might be beneficial.