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Ludwig provides contextual example sentences from reliable sources like The New York Times, BBC, and academic publications, helping you understand how words and phrases are used in real-world contexts. This improves both writing fluency and comprehension skills.

Ludwig is trusted by students, teachers, researchers, and professionals worldwide. It's used by top universities including MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Oxford, as well as professionals in tech companies like Adobe.

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Ludwig focuses on providing real example sentences from authoritative sources, not just grammar checking. This contextual approach helps users understand not just what's correct, but how language is actually used by native speakers and professional writers.

Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

A small request
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small request" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
It can be used when you are asking someone for something that is not too difficult or demanding. For example: "I have a small request - could you please pick up some milk while you are at the store?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It started with a small request.

News & Media

Independent

Walker approached Garber with a small request.

News & Media

The New York Times - Magazine

A small request, then: more chiles all around.

News & Media

The New York Times - Food

It's a small request: there'll be time enough after it's over.

News & Media

The Guardian - Opinion

On Pingtest.net, the user's PC sends a small request to distant servers and then computes the average time to receive a response.

News & Media

The New York Times - Tech

"Excuse me, Begum Sahib, may I trouble you with a small request?" "Of course," she said, touching him lightly on the shoulder.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In fact, some members of the delegation have already begun to pick apart the Pataki plan, trying to shape a smaller request that would finance projects directly related to the terrorist attacks and that would be easier to sell on Capitol Hill.

News & Media

The New York Times

Sales people use "foot in the door" techniques by asking for a small innocuous request to begin with ("just one click to see which tweet got retweeted") and escalate from there ("why don't you stay awhile?").

News & Media

Huffington Post

As Google details in its blog post, that pause was due to Google Voice making a small data request to Google's servers whenever you initiated a call, which would return the number the application was supposed to dial.

News & Media

TechCrunch

A paragraph in the letter reads: I have one small request to all of you.

News & Media

The New York Times

This is no small request".

News & Media

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When making a request, preface it with "a small request" to soften the demand and make it seem less imposing, increasing the likelihood of compliance.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "a small request" when the task you are asking for is actually quite burdensome. This can damage your credibility and frustrate the person you are asking.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small request" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or prefaces a solicitation. It aims to minimize the perceived burden of what is being asked, making it more palatable to the recipient, as shown by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small request" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a minor solicitation politely. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, it serves to minimize the perceived burden of the request. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overstatement of the task's simplicity to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "a minor request" or "a modest request" can also be considered depending on the context.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal request

Replaces "small" with "minimal", emphasizing the insignificance of the request.

a minor request

Substitutes "small" with "minor", highlighting the request's lack of importance.

a modest request

Uses "modest" in place of "small", suggesting the request is humble and not excessive.

a simple request

Replaces "small" with "simple", focusing on the ease of fulfilling the request.

an easy request

Uses "easy" to indicate the request is not difficult to grant.

a slight request

Replaces "small" with "slight", indicating a small degree of imposition.

More alternative expressions(6)

a minimal request

a low request

a small demand

a brief request

a small instruction

a small prayer

FAQs

How can I use "a small request" in a sentence?

You can use "a small request" to introduce a minor task or favor you are asking someone to do. For instance, "I have "a small request": could you proofread this email?"

What can I say instead of "a small request"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor request", "a simple request", or "a modest request" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to preface a request with "a small request"?

While generally polite, using "a small request" might be inappropriate if the task is clearly significant. It's best reserved for tasks that genuinely require minimal effort.

What's the difference between "a small request" and "a big ask"?

"A small request" implies an easy, minor task, while "a big ask" suggests a significant favor or undertaking that requires considerable effort or resources.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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A small requestGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

A small request
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples