Meaning & use
request
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Meanings
nouncountable
An act of asking politely or formally for something to be given or done.
Grammar: Often followed by for or to: a request for help, a request to leave.
Patterns
- a request for something
- a request to do something
- at someone's request
She made a request for extra time on the exam.
The hotel grants most requests for late checkout.
At his request, the meeting was moved to Friday.
nouncountable
A song, topic or item that a person asks for, especially from a radio host or performer.
Grammar: Often found in phrases such as request show or by request.
Patterns
- on request
- by request
The band played an old favorite by request.
The radio host read out listeners' requests.
Menus in other languages are available on request.
verbtransitiveformal
To ask for something politely or formally.
Grammar: Takes an object: request a copy; takes that-clause in formal style: request that he attend.
Patterns
- request something from someone
- request that someone do something
Guests may request an extra pillow at the front desk.
I am writing to request information about the course.
The judge requested that the jury leave the room.
Word forms
| plural | requests |
|---|---|
| third person singular | requests |
| past tense | requested |
| past participle | requested |
| -ing form | requesting |
Common combinations
- make a request
- You can make a request through the website.
- grant a request
- The manager granted her request for a day off.
- on request
- Samples are available on request.
- turn down a request
- The bank turned down his request for a loan.
- polite request
- It was a polite request, not an order.
- request permission
- Students must request permission before using the lab.
Synonyms and how they differ
- ask
- The ordinary spoken word, while request is more formal and often used in writing.
- appeal
- Suggests an urgent or emotional plea, especially to a group or authority, which is stronger than a request.
- demand
- Implies authority and expects compliance, so it is firmer than a request.
- petition
- A formal written request, often signed by many people and sent to an official body.
Opposites
Word family
- requester noun
- a person who makes a request
- requested adjective
- asked for
- requisition noun
- an official written demand for supplies
Commonly confused: request or require?
request vs require
Request is to ask for something; require is to need it or to make it compulsory by rule.
Practice
The hotel will provide a baby crib ____ request.
Choose one answer.
On request is the fixed phrase meaning when asked for. At request, by request and under request are not standard in this sense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “request”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.