the only request

USAGE SUMMARY

"the only request" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a single or specific request that is the only one made or needed in a situation. For example: - My boss had one request for me: to finish the project by Friday. - The only request I have for my birthday is to spend the day with my family. - During the meeting, the CEO had one request: keep the budget under $100,000.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"The only request we received was about David Alan Grier," Mr. Chapin said.

The New York Times

The only request is that they produce something to post on the program's Web site.

The New York Times

Leaving our country is not a choice, but a matter of survival now; the only request that me, my wife, and newborn baby have is to find a job in the U.A.E".

The New York Times

Australian promoter and recent Big Day Out investor AJ Maddah, said that as far as he was aware, the only request by Blur that was refused was to swap set times with Arcade Fire.

The Guardian - Music

The only request I'd make, unrelated to berries, is to the publishers of the world: could we please call a moratorium on using the word "bible" in cookbook titles?

The New York Times - Magazine

The only request we wish to be fulfilled is that of the green.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The only requests the university has made were safety-related, he added.

Huffington Post

"Once Google has the ability to recognize and remove any image on the internet, these are not the only requests that they receive.

Vice

"Once Google has the ability to recognise and remove any image on the internet, these are not the only requests that they receive.

Vice

The only requests to the groups with download permissions have been: use of data for the purpose stated, no unauthorized transfer to third parties and acknowledgement to data providers, similarly to dbGAP.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Najibullah, her brother, said the family has only request from the government.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, follow "the only request" with a clarifying clause that specifies the details of the request. For example, "The only request was that all data be anonymized before sharing."

Common error

A common mistake is using "the only request" when, in reality, multiple requests exist. Before using this phrase, verify that there are no other implicit or explicit requests that could confuse the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only request" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, typically specifying that the noun (request) is the sole one being considered or made. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only request" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to emphasize that a certain condition is the single demand in a certain situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears in News & Media, Science, and Wiki. When using this phrase, ensure that no other conditions are relevant to avoid ambiguity. The key is to ensure it stands alone as the single element in the situation. To add impact to the expression, follow "the only request" with a clarifying clause. Common errors involve using the expression in situations where other requests are also considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole demand

Emphasizes the singularity of the demand, focusing on its uniqueness.

the single requirement

Highlights that there is just one requirement to be fulfilled.

the only condition

Specifies the solitary condition that must be met.

the one stipulation

Focuses on the individual stipulation, making it clear it is the only one.

the unique ask

Highlights the distinctiveness and singularity of the request.

the solitary plea

Emphasizes the singular nature of the appeal or request.

the exclusive desire

Highlights the desire as the only one present.

the paramount need

Stresses the supreme importance of the single need or request.

the main thing

Simplifies the expression, focusing on what is fundamentally important.

the chief concern

Highlights the primary concern or matter of interest.

FAQs

How can I use "the only request" in a sentence?

You can use "the only request" to emphasize a specific demand or requirement. For example, "The only request was for the report to be submitted by Friday."

What's the difference between "the only request" and "the main request"?

"The only request" indicates that there is just one single request. "The main request", on the other hand, suggests there may be other requests, but one is the most important.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the only requests" instead of "the only request"?

Yes, "the only requests" is grammatically correct when referring to multiple requests that are the only ones being made or considered. For instance, "The only requests were related to safety."

What are some alternatives to using "the only request"?

You can use alternatives such as "the sole demand", "the single requirement", or "the only condition" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.