Explanation at your level:
You use request to ask for things. If you are at a restaurant, you can request a menu. It is very polite.
When you need help, you can request it. It is more formal than 'ask'. Use it when you write an email to your teacher.
In a business setting, you often request information. It is a standard term for professional communication. Remember, you 'make a request' rather than just 'do a request'.
Using request demonstrates a higher level of register. It is essential for formal writing, such as cover letters or official complaints, where tone is crucial for success.
The nuance of request lies in its inherent deference. It implies an acknowledgment of the recipient's agency. In academic contexts, one might 'request a review' of data, signaling a rigorous, structured approach.
Etymologically, request serves as a bridge between mere inquiry and formal mandate. Its usage in literature often highlights power dynamics; a request from a superior is often a command in disguise. Mastering this verb allows for subtle navigation of social and professional hierarchies.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Request means to ask politely.
- It is more formal than 'ask'.
- Use 'make a request' as a phrase.
- Great for business and professional settings.
When you request something, you are making a polite or formal ask. Think of it as the step above a simple 'ask'—it carries a bit more weight and decorum.
You might request a song at a party, or request a meeting with your boss. It is all about how you approach the other person. It shows you value their time and authority.
The word request comes from the Old French requeste, which itself traces back to the Latin requirere, meaning 'to seek again' or 'to search for'.
It entered Middle English in the 14th century. Over time, it shifted from a general 'seeking' to the specific act of asking for a favor or a service. It is a cousin to the word require, though request remains much softer and more polite.
Use request when you want to sound professional or respectful. It is perfect for emails, business meetings, or when speaking to someone you don't know well.
Common phrases include 'request a refund' or 'submit a request'. Avoid using it in very casual settings with close friends, as it might sound a bit stiff or overly formal.
1. By request: Done because someone asked for it (e.g., 'The band played the song by request').
2. On request: Available if you ask for it (e.g., 'Information is available on request').
3. Request the pleasure of: A very formal way to invite someone (e.g., 'We request the pleasure of your company').
4. Special request: Asking for something outside the normal options.
5. Formal request: An official document or submission.
The verb request is regular, forming the past tense as requested. It is often followed by an object and an infinitive (e.g., 'I requested him to wait').
Pronunciation: /rɪˈkwest/. The stress is on the second syllable. It rhymes with best, test, quest, vest, and guest.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'inquire' and 'acquire'.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear stress on the second syllable.
Crisp 't' at the end.
Common Errors
- Misplacing stress on the first syllable
- Adding an extra vowel sound
- Swallowing the final t
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Requires formal tone
Good for professional settings
Commonly heard
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Subjunctive mood
I request that he be present.
Transitive verbs
I request help.
Formal register
Use request instead of ask.
Examples by Level
I request a glass of water.
Ask for water
Verb + noun
Please request a new password.
He requested a meeting.
She requested help.
They requested a refund.
I request your attention.
Can I request a song?
We requested a taxi.
The team requested more time.
I would like to request an extension.
The manager requested a report.
They requested that we arrive early.
Please submit your request in writing.
He requested a change of venue.
She requested a private audience.
We requested further clarification.
The client requested a discount.
The committee requested a formal investigation.
He requested that the matter be kept confidential.
They requested access to the restricted files.
She requested a leave of absence.
The company requested a bid from vendors.
We requested an update on the project status.
The judge requested a recess.
I requested a transfer to the London office.
The professor requested a comprehensive analysis of the data.
He requested the floor to address the assembly.
The board requested an audit of the accounts.
She requested a stay of execution.
They requested an injunction against the company.
The author requested a revision of the manuscript.
I requested a waiver of the fees.
The client requested an expedited delivery.
The diplomat requested an audience with the ambassador.
The court requested a sworn affidavit.
He requested a pardon from the governor.
She requested a cessation of all hostilities.
The architect requested a modification to the blueprints.
The union requested a mediation session.
They requested a formal apology.
The applicant requested a reconsideration of the decision.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"At your request"
Because you asked
I did it at your request.
neutral"On request"
Available if asked
The menu is available on request.
neutral"By popular request"
Because many people asked
The song is back by popular request.
neutral"Request the pleasure of your company"
Formal invitation
We request the pleasure of your company.
formal"Put in a request"
To officially ask
I put in a request for time off.
casualEasily Confused
Similar spelling
Require means need; request means ask.
I require water (I need it). I request water (I ask for it).
Similar suffix
Inquire is to ask for info.
I inquired about the time.
Same meaning
Ask is casual; request is formal.
Ask a friend; request a manager.
Related to asking
Demand is forceful.
I demand an explanation.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + request + object
I request a meeting.
Subject + request + that + clause
I request that you leave.
Make + a + request + for + object
I made a request for help.
Subject + request + someone + to + verb
He requested me to wait.
Subject + request + permission + to + verb
I requested permission to go.
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
Request is a verb, you don't need 'for' before the object.
Request does not take a direct object person.
Collocation error.
Wrong preposition.
Request is transitive.
Tips
Use in Emails
Always use 'request' in professional emails.
Noun vs Verb
Remember: 'I request' (verb) vs 'A request' (noun).
Collocation List
Learn 'make a request' as one chunk.
Latin Roots
It comes from 'requirere'.
Stress
Stress the second syllable!
No 'for'
Do not say 'I request for a book'.
Politeness
It is a magic word for good service.
The Quest
Imagine a quest to remember it.
Flashcards
Use sentences, not just the word.
Formal Writing
Use it in essays.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Re-Quest: You go on a Quest to get what you want.
Visual Association
A knight (on a quest) asking a king for a favor.
Word Web
Desafío
Write three formal emails today using the word 'request'.
Origen de la palabra
Latin
Original meaning: To seek again
Contexto cultural
None, it is a very neutral and professional term.
Used heavily in customer service and formal business.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Work
- Request a meeting
- Request a deadline extension
- Request feedback
Travel
- Request a wake-up call
- Request a quiet room
- Request an upgrade
School
- Request a grade review
- Request extra credit
- Request a meeting with the teacher
Customer Service
- Request a refund
- Request a replacement
- Request a manager
Conversation Starters
"How do you request help at work?"
"Have you ever requested a song?"
"What is the most formal request you have made?"
"Do you prefer to ask or request?"
"When is it best to use 'request'?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you requested something important.
Describe a situation where a request was denied.
How does your language use requests?
Write a formal request for a vacation.
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasYes, it is more formal than 'ask'.
Only if request is a noun (e.g., 'a request for help').
Use 'I would like to request...'
Yes, it can be both a verb and a noun.
Requested.
Yes, e.g., 'I requested a different doctor'.
No, it is very polite.
Request is more formal and specific.
Ponte a prueba
I would like to ___ a glass of water.
Request is the polite way to ask for something.
Which phrase is correct?
The standard collocation is 'make a request'.
Request is a synonym for command.
Request is polite; command is authoritative.
Word
Significado
These are common verbs used with 'request'.
I made a formal request.
Puntuación: /5
Summary
Request is the professional way to ask for what you need.
- Request means to ask politely.
- It is more formal than 'ask'.
- Use 'make a request' as a phrase.
- Great for business and professional settings.
Use in Emails
Always use 'request' in professional emails.
Noun vs Verb
Remember: 'I request' (verb) vs 'A request' (noun).
Collocation List
Learn 'make a request' as one chunk.
Latin Roots
It comes from 'requirere'.
Ejemplo
他请求老板给他加薪。
Related Content
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de communication
承认
A2to admit; to acknowledge
恐怕
B1I'm afraid that...; perhaps; probably. Used to express concern, uncertainty, or to soften a polite refusal.
同意
A1to agree
虽然...但是...
A2although...but...
公告
B1announcement
回答
A1to answer; to reply
接听
B2To answer (a phone call).
致歉
B2To express an apology formally. This is a critical term for IELTS letters of apology.
提问
A1To ask a question; to pose an inquiry.
广播
A2Broadcast.
