request

Everyday

1. A request is the act of asking politely or formally for something. tree →
2. A request is also the thing you asked for («Play my request!»). tree →
3. To request means to ask for something politely or officially. tree →

In the lessons

In school and everyday life pupils make polite requests using «please», «could I…?», «may I…?»; requests are a key part of good manners and of writing formal letters. In computers a «friend request» asks to connect online; children learn not to accept requests from strangers. Phrases: «on request», «at someone's request», «make a request», «friend request».

Examples

• Can I make a request? Could we have the window open? tree →
• The DJ played my request at the party. tree →
• Visitors are requested to sign in at the office. tree →
• At my request, Dad read the story again. tree →
• Do not accept friend requests from people you don't know. tree →
• The menu is available in large print on request. tree →
• The teacher requested quiet during the test. tree →
• A polite request starts with «please» or «could you». tree →
• To this request the king consented. tree →

Note

Verb is followed directly by the thing: «request help», not «request for help» (but the noun is «a request for help»). More formal than «ask». Stress on the second syllable: ri-KWEST.

In Jewish tradition

In the Psalms God gives people their request, and tradition reads this as God answering prayer, though a wrong wish may bring harm. Esther's request to the king is read as the careful plea that saved her people. In the primary lessons: In school and everyday life pupils make polite requests using «please», «could I…?», «may I…?»; requests are a key part of good manners and of writing formal letters. In computers a «friend request» asks to connect online; children learn not to accept requests from strangers. Phrases: «on request», «at someone's request», «make a request», «friend request».

Examples

• + Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for personal, non-commercial purposes. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• Magazines and periodicals are respectfully requested to serid copies of their reviews of this thesis to the author, P. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →
• Then answered Esther, and said: 'My petition and my request is — (Writings EST.5.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Writings PSA.106.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and the request of his lips Thou hast not withholden. (Writings PSA.21.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Verb is followed directly by the thing: «request help», not «request for help» (but the noun is «a request for help»). More formal than «ask». Stress on the second syllable: ri-KWEST.