Request of vs. Request for – Which is Correct?

The choice between “request of” and “request for” hinges on whether you are referring to the source of the request or the object being requested. Both are grammatically correct, but “request for” is used when specifying what is desired, while “request of” indicates the person or entity from whom the request originates.

Request Of or For – Which is Correct?

Both “request of” and “request for” are correct and serve distinct grammatical purposes. The core difference lies in their focus:

• Request for: This phrase identifies the specific item, action, or favor that is being asked for. It answers the question “What is being requested?”
• Request of: This phrase identifies the person, group, or entity from whom the request is made. It answers the question “Who or what is being requested from?” or “Whose request is it?”

Confusion often arises because “request” itself can function as both a noun and a verb, and the prepositions “of” and “for” are versatile. However, when used in these specific constructions, they carry precise meanings.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

A simple trick to remember the distinction is to think: “You make a request for something, of someone.”

• If you’re stating what is wanted, use for.
• If you’re stating who is being asked or whose request it is, use of.

Phrase	Meaning	Example
Request of	The source or origin of the request; from whom something is asked.	“The request of the board was to review the budget.”
Request for	The object, action, or item being sought or desired.	“She submitted a request for a leave of absence.”

How to Use Request Of

The phrase “request of” is typically used to indicate the person or entity from whom a request originates or is directed. It highlights the source of the asking. This construction is often found in more formal contexts.

Example 1: “The request of the client was to have the project completed by next week.”

Example 2: “A formal request of the university administration was made by the student government regarding tuition fees.”

Example 3: “He fulfilled the dying request of his grandmother.”

Etymology of the phrase Request Of

The word “request” entered English from Old French requester, meaning “to ask, to seek,” which itself comes from the Latin requirere, “to seek, to ask for.” The preposition “of” comes from Old English of, signifying origin, source, or belonging. In “request of,” “of” retains this sense of indicating the source or possessor of the request.

How to Use Request For

“Request for” is used to specify the particular item, service, or action that is being sought. It clarifies what is wanted or needed. This is the more common of the two phrases when discussing the object of a request.

Example 1: “The customer placed a request for a full refund after receiving the damaged goods.”

Example 2: “The research team submitted a request for additional funding to continue their experiments.”

Example 3: “Is there any request for assistance I can help you with today?”

Etymology of the phrase Request For

As mentioned, “request” has roots in Latin requirere. The preposition “for” originates from Old English for, which had a wide range of meanings including “before,” “in front of,” and “on account of.” In “request for,” “for” functions to indicate purpose or the object towards which an action (the request) is directed, much like “in order to obtain” or “with the aim of.”

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts, particularly prepositions, can help clarify the usage of “request of” and “request for.”

• Prepositions: These are words (like of, for, in, on, at) that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence, showing relationships of time, place, direction, manner, or, in this case, source and purpose. The specific preposition chosen profoundly impacts the meaning of the phrase.
• Noun Complementation: This refers to how nouns can be followed by phrases that complete their meaning, often using prepositions. “Request” as a noun often requires a prepositional phrase to clarify its full meaning, whether it’s “a request of someone” or “a request for something.”

Examples from Media and Literature

• “It was a personal request of the President to have the report expedited.” (Highlighting the source of the request)
• “The library received numerous requests for the latest bestsellers.” (Specifying the items desired)
• “A request for proposals was issued by the city council for the new infrastructure project.” (Indicating the type of action sought)
• “This unprecedented request of the public sparked much debate.” (Referring to the public as the origin of the request)
• “He made a silent request for guidance before making his decision.” (Detailing what was being asked for)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The committee approved the ____________ (request of / request for) new funding.
2. The ____________ (request of / request for) the client was to expedite the order.
3. She made a special ____________ (request of / request for) the chef, asking him to prepare a vegetarian meal.
4. The CEO received a ____________ (request of / request for) an urgent meeting.
5. The ____________ (request of / request for) the children was to visit the amusement park.

Answer Key

1. request for
2. request of
3. request of
4. request for
5. request of

Request Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Ask	To seek information, an answer, or a favor.
Plea	An urgent or emotional appeal.
Appeal	A serious, urgent, or heartfelt request, often for help or a decision.
Demand	An insistent and peremptory request, often implying a right.
Query	A question, especially one addressed to an official or organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “request” be followed by both “of” and “for” in the same sentence?
Yes, it is possible. For example: “The request of the community for better public transport was finally heard.” Here, “of the community” identifies the source, and “for better public transport” specifies the object of the request.

Question 2: Is “request of” more formal than “request for”?
While both are grammatically correct, “request of” often carries a slightly more formal or official tone, particularly when referring to a request made by an institution or a person in authority. “Request for” is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

Question 3: When should I use “on request” instead of “at the request of/for”?
“On request” means “if someone asks for it” or “when requested,” indicating that something is available or will happen only if a request is made. Example: “Further details are available on request.” “At the request of/for” specifies who made the request or what was requested. Example: “The meeting was cancelled at the request of the CEO.”

Conclusion

Distinguishing between “request of” and “request for” is key to precise and clear communication. Remember that “request of” refers to the source of the request (who or what is asking), while “request for” refers to the item or action being sought (what is being asked). By keeping this simple distinction in mind, you can ensure your sentences are grammatically sound and convey your intended meaning accurately.

Pro Tip: When drafting important communications, always double-check your prepositional choices. A small word like “of” or “for” can significantly alter the nuance of your message and impact how professionally your writing is perceived.