to-infinitive after "request"

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KLPNO

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Hello everyone,

According to the Oxford dictionary the constructions with "request" are as follows:

request - Definition and pronunciation | Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

request (for something)| request (that…)

But I've seen examples where to-infinitive is used:

[ARCHIVED CONTENT] Testing for presence of (specified) Class A drugs on arrest and the expansion of the Restriction on Bail provisions | Home Office

These are there to encourage problematic drug users to comply with the request to provide a sample for drug testing and with any requirement to attend an assessment so that they can be moved into appropriate treatment and support and away from crime

Do I understand correctly that the construction "request + to-infinitive" is correct and just has not been included in the dictionary?

Thank you.
 

probus

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The construction "request + to-infinitive" is correct beyond a shadow of doubt.
 

KLPNO

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Thank you, probus.
 

emsr2d2

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As long as "request" is a noun, it's fine. It doesn't work if "request" is being used as a verb.

I have made a request to sit my exams later than the other students. :tick:
I request to sit my exams later than the other students. :cross:
 

billmcd

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As long as "request" is a noun, it's fine. It doesn't work if "request" is being used as a verb.

I have made a request to sit my exams later than the other students. :tick:
I request to sit my exams later than the other students. :cross:

One of several possible exceptions would be with "have".
 

5jj

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One of several possible exceptions would be with "have".
I am being rather dense today. Could you explain that, please.
 

probus

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I think Billmcd means something like: I request to have my breakfast in my room.

I think the verb request is fine with an infinitive provided it has a definite object, for example you. Here are couple of examples from the [bnc] British National Corpus

Colonel, I must request you to keep your distance.
Again and again I request you to be merry, if anything troubles your hearts, or vex your souls, neglect and contemn it, let it pass.

 

5jj

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I think Billmcd means something like: I request to have my breakfast in my room.
That doesn't sound natural to me.
I think the verb request is fine with an infinitive provided it has a definite object[...]:

Colonel, I must request you to keep your distance.
Fine, but that does not mean that 'I request (verb) to do ...' is acceptable.
 
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