"I request you" vs "I kindly request you"

Question

"I request you" vs "I kindly request you"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I kindly request you' is a polite and formal way to make a request, while 'I request you' is a more direct and formal way to make a request. The choice between the two phrases depends on the level of formality and politeness you want to convey.

Last Updated: February 16, 2024

Use this phrase when you want to make a direct request in a formal context.

Examples:

I request you to submit the report by tomorrow.
I request you to attend the meeting.
I request you to provide me with the necessary documents.
I request you to consider my proposal.
I request you to take immediate action.

Alternatives:

I ask you to
I urge you to
I demand that you
I require you to
I need you to

If you are going to request that someone does something for you, you need to use the word "that" after "request." Also, the word "kindly" does not sound right in this sentence; you would more often hear this adverb in a sentence like, "She spoke to him very kindly," or in the phrase "take kindly to." "Kindly" used to be commonly used as an adjective, so you might read phrases like "a kindly old man" in older literature.

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some alternatives from our editors:

I request that you
I would like to request that you

Answer 1

I request you

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal contexts to make a direct request.

Answer 2

I kindly request you

This is not correct. Don't use this phrase.

"I request you" vs "I kindly request you"

I request you

I kindly request you

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