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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
were requested to attend
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "were requested to attend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal contexts, such as invitations or notifications, to indicate that someone has been asked to be present at an event or meeting. Example: "All employees were requested to attend the mandatory training session on Friday."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
14 human-written examples
Consenting individuals were requested to attend a neighborhood medical center; 74% consented.
Science
Study participants were requested to attend the study clinic for physical assessments at both follow-ups.
Every contacts of a confirmed case of pertussis with recent history of cough were requested to attend to the hospital.
Science
All the villagers were requested to attend the medical camp irrespective of the presence of arsenic-induced skin lesions.
Science
The patients were requested to attend the laboratory the next day to examine their glucose levels (fasting glucose and HbA1c).
Science
Participants were requested to attend assessments with the researchers once each trimester of their pregnancy and twice after delivery.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
Then she was requested to attend an interview under caution on 14 April.
News & Media
Each subject was requested to attend to "start" and "stop" commands every 20 s alternatively and had to respond with the motor task every second time.
Science
"All illnesses are taken seriously and this year we have carried out 356 hospital escorts and an ambulance has been requested to attend on 21 separate occasions".
News & Media
Waterman was requested to attend an initial conference and to supply information concerning these contracts which included certain Red Sea charters.
Academia
But while local authorities struggle to cope with the number of noise-related disputes they're requested to attend with decibel meters, there is little acknowledgement of the disruptive effects of noises that may not reach the required threshold for action to be taken – in other words, it's not all about volume.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "were requested to attend", ensure the context is appropriate for a formal or semi-formal tone. This phrase is well-suited for official notices, invitations, or instructions where a degree of formality is required.
Common error
Avoid using "were requested to attend" in casual or informal communications. Simpler alternatives like "were asked to come" or "were invited" are more appropriate for everyday conversations or less formal settings.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "were requested to attend" functions as a passive construction indicating that individuals received a formal request to be present at a specific event or location. As supported by Ludwig, it emphasizes the action of requesting rather than the actor.
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "were requested to attend" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in formal English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's typically employed to formally notify or instruct individuals about their expected presence at an event, particularly within scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While effective in these settings, it's less suited for informal communication, where simpler alternatives are preferable. The linguistic analysis underscores its function as a passive construction conveying a sense of importance, with the most authoritative sources reflecting its widespread use in reputable publications.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
were asked to be present
This alternative replaces "requested" with "asked" and "attend" with "be present", simplifying the language while maintaining the same core meaning.
their presence was requested
This option focuses on the request for their presence, making it more concise and formal.
had been asked to come
This option uses a more conversational tone, replacing "requested" with the simpler "asked" and "attend" with "come".
were invited to participate
This option suggests a more welcoming tone by using "invited" instead of "requested", implying a formal call for participation.
were called upon to attend
Implies a sense of duty or responsibility, as "called upon" suggests a formal request or expectation.
were required to be there
Changes the tone to emphasize obligation by using "required", indicating a mandatory presence.
were instructed to be present
Uses "instructed" to convey a sense of order or command, and "be present" as a formal alternative to "attend".
received a summons to attend
This phrase introduces a more formal and potentially legalistic tone by using "summons", suggesting a formal notice.
attendance was requested of them
This phrase restructures the sentence to emphasize the request for attendance rather than the individuals themselves.
were directed to be in attendance
This alternative uses "directed" to imply a command or instruction, and "in attendance" as a more formal substitute for "attend".
FAQs
What does "were requested to attend" mean?
The phrase "were requested to attend" means that someone has asked or invited people to be present at a specific event or location. It indicates a formal invitation or instruction.
When is it appropriate to use "were requested to attend"?
Use "were requested to attend" in formal contexts such as official invitations, meeting notifications, or instructions. It conveys a sense of formality and expectation.
What are some alternatives to "were requested to attend"?
You can use alternatives like "were invited to attend", "were asked to be present", or "were directed to attend", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.
Is "were requested to attend" too formal for casual conversation?
Yes, "were requested to attend" is generally too formal for casual conversation. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "were asked to come" or "were invited" are more appropriate.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested