[Vocabulary] The verb request

[Birne]

Hello

Are the following sentences correct:

I (kindly) request to reset my password.
I (kindly) request to hang all the coats.

(structure: person request(s) to do sth)

?

 

[jutfrank]

Not really, no. Look at this dictionary entry for some different ways to use request.

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/request

 

[Birne]

Thank you. So the correct way to use 'request' here is:

I (kindly) request my password reset
I (kindly) request that all coats be hung.

?

 

[emsr2d2]

No.

I would like to request that my password be reset.
I would like to request a password reset.

Please hang up all coats.

 

[nigele2]

In the UK I would use the phrasal verb “to hang up” in the second sentence. However, I believe in many other English-speaking countries “to hang” is commonly used.

Thus:

I (kindly) request to reset my password.
I (kindly) request to hang up all the coats.


In both sentences it is unclear who will perform the requested action because the verbs ('to reset' and 'to hang up') are used incorrectly. Who will reset the password? Who will hang up all the coats?

I’ll assume second person “you” and I’d suggest:

I kindly request that you reset my password.
I kindly request that you hang up all the coats.

The use of "that" is optional, but I think that the sentences sound more natural when it is used.

 

[Birne]

@nigele2

So you say the it is unclear who is to perform the request. How about a mail that I address to a person.

Dear Jason

I Kindly request to reset my password.

Regards,
Rene Holm

Now person is clear, it is Jason.

 

[tedmc]

@nigele2

So you say the it is unclear who is to perform the request. How about a mail that I address to a person.

Dear Jason

I Kindly request to reset my password.

Regards,
Rene Holm

Now person is clear, it is Jason.

No, that is not correct.
"Request" is a transitive verb which requires an object.

I request him to reset my password.
I request my password to be reset.

Just make it simple and say: Please reset my password.

Try not to use the word "kindly", which is unnatural, though I know it is commonly used in some Asian countries.

 

[nigele2]

Just make it simple and say: Please reset my password.

Try not to use the word "kindly", which is unnatural, though I know it is commonly used in some Asian countries.

“I kindly request that you reset my password.” I think would often be used to express brusqueness (curtness) in manner. I can imagine it said through gritted teeth. If this is the case “Please reset my password” is too polite.

Perhaps Byrne you could give us more on the context?

 

[nigele2]

@nigele2

So you say the it is unclear who is to perform the request. How about a mail that I address to a person.

Dear Jason

I Kindly request to reset my password.

Regards,
Rene Holm

Now person is clear, it is Jason.

The person may be clear but so also is your misuse of verbs. I know it is not easy and takes a lot of practise, but please persevere with verb conjugations and you will reap the rewards (see the benefits).


Dear Jason

I Kindly request that you reset my password.

Regards,
Rene Holm

 

[Tdol]

Kindly -> kindly

 

[Rover_KE]

“I kindly request that you reset my password.” I think would often be used to express brusqueness (curtness) in manner. I can imagine it said through gritted teeth. If this is the case “Please reset my password” is too polite.

I strongly disagree with both of those statements.

Follow tedmc's advice and say 'Please reset my password', which has the right degree of politeness and avoids the wordy and unnatural 'I kindly request ...'

 

[jutfrank]

I first imagined this as written, not spoken communication.

 

[Birne]

Perhaps Byrne you could give us more on the context?

The context is that I want to write a formal email (request email) to a high-ranking manager to reset my password. As I have learned so far it is fine to write:

Dear Jason

I request (that) you reset my password.

OR

I request (that) my password be reset.

OR

I would like to request (that) my password be reset.

Regards,
Tom Holm

 

[emsr2d2]

I can assure you that it's perfectly acceptable to write:

Dear Jason

Please reset my password.

Thank you.
Tom

OR

Dear Jason

I would be very grateful if you would reset my password.

Thank you.
Tom