We request that you

The structure is quite specific: Subject (usually We) + request + that + you + [base form of the verb]. For example: We request that you sign the document. Notice that we don't say signS or signed. In formal English, this often triggers what teachers call the "subjunctive mood." It sounds fancy, but it just means the verb stays in its simplest form. You can also add kindly to make it a bit warmer: We kindly request that you.... It’s like adding a sprinkle of sugar to a bitter medicine—it goes down easier, but the medicine is still working! Just don't use it for small things like asking someone to pass the salt, or you'll look like you're trying to start a tiny kingdom at the dinner table.

This is a 10 out of 10 on the formality scale. You will see it in contracts, legal notices, and corporate emails. It belongs in the world of Dear Sir/Madam and Yours Sincerely. In a casual setting, using this phrase would be hilarious or very awkward. Imagine texting your friend: We request that you arrive at the taco stand by 7:00 PM. They would probably ask if you've been hacked by a robot. This phrase creates distance. It says, "We are not friends; we are in a professional relationship." It’s the verbal version of a firm, dry handshake. No hugging allowed here!

You’ll find this phrase lurking in the "Terms and Conditions" that nobody reads on apps like Netflix or Spotify. When a company changes its privacy policy, they might email you: We request that you review the updated terms. In a job setting, HR might send a message saying: We request that you submit your expense report by Friday. If you’re at a high-end hotel, the sign by the pool might say: We request that you refrain from running. It’s everywhere in the adult world of responsibilities and paperwork. It’s the language of the people who send you bills and the people who hire you.

Use this when you need to be firm but professional. It’s perfect for a formal email to a client or a letter to a landlord. If you are writing a complaint to a company, We request that you provide a full refund sounds much more powerful than Please give me my money back. It shows you know the rules of the game. It’s also useful in academic writing or official announcements. Basically, if you are wearing a tie or a blazer (even a virtual one on Zoom), this phrase is your best friend. It helps you maintain authority without sounding like a jerk.

Keep this far away from your WhatsApp group chats or Instagram DMs. Using it with friends makes you sound cold or sarcastic. Also, don't use it if you don't actually have the authority to request something. If a junior intern tells the CEO, We request that you move your meeting, it might lead to a very short career. It’s also overkill for simple requests. If you’re at a cafe, don't tell the barista, We request that you put extra foam on our latte. Just say Could I have...?. Unless you want the barista to write "His Majesty" on your cup, stick to simpler language for daily life.

One of the biggest blunders is adding to after request. ✗ We request to you that... is a big no-no. It should be ✓ We request that you.... Another mistake is using the wrong verb tense. ✗ We request that you signed... → ✓ We request that you sign.... People also often confuse it with demand. While request is firm, demand is aggressive. If you demand, you’re starting a fight. If you request, you’re stating a requirement politely. Finally, don't forget the that. While you can technically leave it out in some cases, in this formal structure, it’s best to keep it. It acts like a bridge between the authority and the action.

You might hear It is requested that you..., which is even more formal because it uses the passive voice. It removes the "We" entirely, making it feel like the request is coming from the universe itself! We would like to request... is a slightly softer version, often used when you're being extra careful. Then there’s We ask that you..., which is the slightly less formal cousin. It’s like the difference between a tuxedo (request) and a nice suit (ask). In the UK, you might see We would be grateful if you would..., which is the ultimate British way of being incredibly polite while still telling you exactly what to do.

Is it too formal? For an email to a boss or client, no. For a friend, yes. Does it always need that? Yes, in this specific professional construction, it’s standard. Can I use it in the singular I request that you? Yes, but We sounds more official and less like you’re on a personal power trip. Is it better than Please? It’s not better; it’s different. Please is a polite favor; We request is a polite requirement. Think of it as the difference between a request and a command in fancy clothing.