respectfully submit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "respectfully submit" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal communication, such as letters or reports, to present information or a request in a polite manner. Example: "I respectfully submit my application for the scholarship program, hoping for your favorable consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Today, I would respectfully submit that my father's pedagogical method was a failure.

The New Yorker

I would respectfully submit, however, that these optimists have no idea what they are talking about.

The New York Times

No one, we respectfully submit, can dispute the grief that she feels.

The Guardian

I respectfully submit that bread stuffing, whether cooked in or out of the bird, is simply too good to save for Thanksgiving.

The New York Times - Food

Subject: Operation Queen of Diamonds As requested by the esteemed comrades, I respectfully submit a brief memorandum on the effectiveness of Operation Queen of Diamonds.

Independent

"We will respectfully submit to the decision of shareholders," the firms said in a statement issued after the close of trading.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Respectfully submitted.

The New York Times

Respectfully submitted etc.

The New York Times

Respectfully submitted, Nov. 28, 2000.

The New York Times

Respectfully submitted, Your Pal Forever, Thomas J Hanks.

The Guardian - Film

"The government respectfully submits that the bases for a downward departure must be disclosed publicly".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "respectfully submit", ensure that the content following the phrase is well-reasoned and presented clearly. The respectful tone sets an expectation of thoughtful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "respectfully submit" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound stilted or unnatural in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "respectfully submit" functions as a performative utterance used to introduce a statement or proposal with deference and politeness. Ludwig AI indicates its use to formally present information. It signals that the speaker is aware of and acknowledges the hierarchical relationship or the importance of the context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "respectfully submit" is a formal phrase used to introduce a statement, proposal, or request with deference and politeness. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in formal and professional contexts such as legal documents, official reports, and communications with superiors. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it should be avoided in casual settings to prevent sounding unnatural. Alternatives like "humbly submit" or "respectfully suggest" may be more suitable depending on the situation. This phrase is most frequently found in news media, formal business settings, and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humbly submit

Replaces "respectfully" with "humbly", emphasizing a sense of modesty and deference.

deferentially submit

Replaces "respectfully" with "deferentially", highlighting the act of yielding to another's judgment.

respectfully suggest

Substitutes "submit" with "suggest", softening the tone to imply a recommendation rather than a formal submission.

respectfully propose

Replaces "submit" with "propose", indicating a formal suggestion or plan.

humbly suggest

Combines "humbly" and "suggest" for a more understated and polite offering.

respectfully present

Replaces "submit" with "present", framing the offering as a formal presentation.

formally submit

Emphasizes the official nature of the submission, focusing on procedure rather than deference.

I respectfully offer

Adds a personal pronoun to soften the phrase and directly convey the speaker's respect.

I respectfully contend

Uses "contend" instead of "submit" when expressing a respectful disagreement or argument.

I respectfully request

Shifts from submitting information to making a formal request with deference.

FAQs

What does "respectfully submit" mean?

The phrase "respectfully submit" means to present information or a request in a polite and formal manner, showing deference to the recipient's authority or position.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "respectfully submit"?

It's appropriate to use "respectfully submit" in formal contexts such as legal documents, official reports, or when addressing superiors or authority figures.

What can I say instead of "respectfully submit"?

You can use alternatives like "humbly submit", "respectfully suggest", or "respectfully propose" depending on the context.

Is "respectfully submit" only for written communication?

While most commonly used in written communication, "respectfully submit" can also be used in formal spoken contexts, such as presentations or meetings, to convey deference and politeness.