unspoken request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unspoken request" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a request that has not been explicitly stated but is understood or implied. Example: "During the meeting, there was an unspoken request for everyone to contribute their ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That … Mr Biffen paid no regard to the deadline imposed by Thomson, but instead declined to make a referral to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission because of a nod and a wink from Mrs Thatcher who was in turn acting on the basis of an unspoken request from Mr Murdoch... To call this thesis speculation is to use too dignified a term," said Davies.

The Guardian

It may be a time for you to probe a little ("I'm concerned about you - you've seemed to withdraw for a little bit. Is there a problem I could help with?") or to respect the unspoken request for distance.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Sure, there are the deviations from the original story, accompanied by unspoken requests from the creators that we play along, that we look the other way.

Huffington Post

There is an unspoken rule about most requests for money in any secondary school: if your request does not involve raising attainment (exam results), then it's probably best not to ask.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My simple request to the nine MPs amounted to an unspoken yet obvious straight choice – hand over your full expenses files, or face accusations in the local press of covering up.

The Guardian

When are they gonna get some hot young hunk to replace Scarborough?" Mr. Scarborough, who did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday, told The Times in 2010 that Ms. Simmons "has never had an unspoken thought, and I mean that in the nicest way; she is the least inhibited broadcast journalist I've ever known".

The New York Times

Requests just seem to fall off a cliff, with nobody saying yes or no -- just one long, unspoken maybe.

The New York Times

And left unspoken.

The Economist

"He has that unspoken quality".

The New York Times - Sports

A. It was unspoken.

The New York Times

In many cases, requests for information just seem to fall off a cliff, with nobody saying yes or no -- just one long, unspoken maybe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unspoken request" when you want to emphasize that a desire or need is being communicated indirectly or without explicit words. It's effective in highlighting subtle dynamics in relationships or negotiations.

Common error

While "unspoken request" shares similarities with "implicit request" or "implied request", be mindful that "unspoken" emphasizes the lack of verbal communication, whereas "implicit" and "implied" focus on the indirect suggestion. Choose the term that best reflects the method of communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unspoken request" functions as a noun phrase, where 'unspoken' modifies 'request.' It describes a type of request that is communicated without explicit verbalization. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, highlighting implicit communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unspoken request" denotes a non-verbalized desire or need, often relying on context and implicit understanding for communication. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase, though grammatically correct, is relatively rare, appearing mainly in news and media, and wiki sources. When writing, use it to emphasize subtle communication dynamics, keeping in mind its distinction from similar terms like "implied request". Recognizing and responding to an unspoken need requires careful observation and empathy, while using the phrase effectively adds nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Implied request

Focuses on the indirect nature of the request, emphasizing it's understood without being explicitly stated.

Tacit request

Highlights the implicit agreement or understanding surrounding the request.

Unstated request

Emphasizes that the request remains unarticulated.

Understood desire

Shifts focus to the underlying desire that prompts the unspoken request.

Implicit appeal

Highlights the pleading nature of the unspoken communication.

Unvoiced plea

Emphasizes the silent, yet urgent, nature of the request.

Subtle invitation

Refers to an indirect or delicate form of unspoken request.

Silent demand

Highlights the forceful or urgent aspect of the request, even without being spoken.

Assumed need

Indicates that the request is based on a perceived or anticipated requirement.

Unexpressed wish

Focuses on the wish or longing behind the request, which is not openly communicated.

FAQs

What does "unspoken request" mean?

An "unspoken request" is a desire or need that is communicated indirectly, without being explicitly stated in words. It relies on context, body language, or shared understanding to be conveyed.

How can I recognize an "unspoken request"?

Pay attention to non-verbal cues like body language, tone of voice, and the context of the situation. An "implicit request" may also be hinted at through suggestions or indirect statements.

What's the difference between "unspoken request" and "implied request"?

"Unspoken request" focuses on the absence of verbal communication, while "implied request" focuses on the indirect suggestion or inference. An "implied request" can be communicated through words, but the request itself is not directly stated.

What are some alternatives to "unspoken request"?

You can use alternatives like ""implied request"", "tacit request", or "unstated request" depending on the context.