sent a request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sent a request" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the action of asking someone for something, typically in a formal or digital context. Example: "I sent a request for more information about the project." Alternative expressions include "made a request" and "submitted a request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We sent a request for them on Aug. 9.

The New York Times

So I sent a request through our library's recycling program.

Princeton University

They rode the rails to Atlanta, where Silas sent a request for help to Chandler's relatives.

The New York Times

Krisztina Holly, then the center's executive director, sent a request for proposals to faculty members.

The New York Times

As the vessel approached New York, she was sent a request.

The New York Times - Sports

US authorities were sent a request for documents several months ago, he said, but have not yet provided them.

The Guardian

His spokesman, Michael Henson, said that Landis sent a request yesterday for the French lab to test his B sample.

The New York Times - Sports

Ney noticed the wavering of Wellington's depleted centre and sent a request to the emperor for a small infantry reinforcement.

Britannica

The government of Panama sent a request to the United States in September for Mr. Martinelli's return.

The New York Times

The state cabinet sent a request to Delhi on Tuesday evening after the cabinet cleared the amount earlier that day, he said.

The New York Times

Four state lawmakers trying to regulate marijuana dispensaries sent a request to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. on Monday to stop raids on medical marijuana operations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify the recipient or destination immediately after the phrase to provide clarity, such as in the example "sent a request to the department".

Common error

Avoid using "sent a request" when the request was made orally and in person. In such cases, "made a request" or "asked" is more accurate because no physical or digital transmission occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sent a request" functions as a transitive verb phrase in the past tense. It consists of the past participle of 'send' followed by a direct object. According to Ludwig, it is primarily used to denote the completion of a communicative transaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "sent a request" is a highly reliable and versatile phrase in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and widely used expression across prestigious publications like The New York Times and The Guardian. It effectively describes the act of transmitting a formal inquiry or demand. While it is universally accepted, writers should consider using "submitted a request" for administrative systems or "filed a request" for legal contexts to add precision. Overall, it remains a cornerstone of professional and narrative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submitted a request

Implies a more formal process, such as filling out a form or using an official portal

made a request

A slightly more general alternative that focuses on the act of asking rather than the transmission

filed a request

Suggests a legal, bureaucratic or administrative action involving records

issued a request

Often used for formal or public calls for information or action from an organization

lodged a request

Frequently used in British English for official complaints or formal applications

forwarded a request

Indicates that a request from a third party was passed along to the relevant person

conveyed a request

Suggests a more indirect or delicate delivery of the message

tendered a request

A very formal, almost legalistic term often used in corporate or diplomatic contexts

proffered a request

Highly formal and literary, implying the act of offering a request for consideration

voiced a request

Specifies that the request was spoken rather than sent through written or digital means

FAQs

How to use "sent a request" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an action taken in the past. For example: "The manager "sent a request" for the budget report yesterday."

What can I say instead of "sent a request"?

You can use alternatives like "submitted a request", ""made a request"" or "filed a request" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sent a request" or "submitted a request"?

Both are correct. "sent a request" is general, while "submitted a request" implies following a specific process or using a system.

Is "sent a request" formal enough for business?

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for professional settings. For even higher formality in official announcements, you might use "issued a request".