So, you want to ask someone to do something politely, right? “Kindly request” works well as a phrase, but maybe there’s a better synonym out there.
This article will explore how to kindly request something in an email. We’ve gathered the best alternatives to help you mix things up.
Other Ways to Say “Kindly Request”
- If you would be so kind
- Please give me a hand
- Humbly ask for
- Respectfully request
- Politely ask for
- Request of you
- Ask nicely
- Hope you can help
- Politely request
- If you don’t mind
- If you’re happy to
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Kindly request” is correct and formal, allowing you to ask someone to do something.
- “If you would be so kind” is a great formal alternative you can use in a letter or email.
- “Please give me a hand” works much better as an informal synonym.
Keep reading if you want to find out more about the most useful phrases. We’ve covered the most effective synonyms for both formal and informal writing to help you!
Also, you can skip to the final section to learn more about whether “kindly request” is correct. That way, you’ll know whether you can include it in your writing.
If You Would Be So Kind (Formal)
“If you would be so kind” is a great formal alternative for “kindly request.” It’s less snappy and comes across as more polite than demanding. You should try it when you know someone is busy with other things but require their help.
Why not try it when speaking with an employee and asking for them to complete a task? It shows professionalism while also allowing you to sound kind. Most people will be more inclined to help if you start with “if you would be so kind.”
You should try to use “if you would be so kind” in business emails and letters when you want something to say other than “kindly request.” It will help to mix up your formal writing when you need something new.
Here are two examples showing you the different ways you can use it:
Dear Kenneth,
If you would be so kind, could you attach the following documents? I need to review them before Friday.
All the best,
Jane
If you would be so kind, please leave it up to me. I have a few ideas that should make this easier for us.
Please Give Me a Hand (Informal)
“Please give me a hand” is excellent as an informal way to say “kindly request.” It lets someone know that you rely on their help without specifying what you need help with.
You should try to use it when asking a friend for help. Asking a friend for “a hand” shows you have a quick task you would appreciate help with. Generally, “a hand” implies a simple or quick task rather than a long and difficult one.
This phrase is great conversationally. However, that means it isn’t good for formal writing or emails. You should stick to more friendly conversations when trying to use a phrase like this.
You should certainly still use “kindly request” if you want to sound as respectful as possible. It’s more effective formally, while “please give me a hand” works better informally.
Here’s a quick look at how you can use this phrase:
Oh, please give me a hand! I can’t seem to figure out a way to do this on my own.
Before you go, Matt, please give me a hand. I’d like to see whether there’s anything else to do.
Is It Correct to Say “Kindly Request”?
“Kindly request” is correct and formal. You can use it when you want to sound polite. It allows you to ask someone for help when you need it.
There’s nothing rude about “kindly request.” It’s a very useful phrase many people employ in formal emails and letters. It shows you’re trying to be respectful while understanding that you’re asking someone to spend time out of their busy days to help you.
You can use these variations as well:
- May I kindly request
- I would kindly request
- I kindly request you to
- I hereby kindly request you to
- Therefore, I kindly request you to
There are plenty of ways you can word it. As long as you use a term like “may I” or “kindly,” you will always sound professional and polite.
You can always bookmark this page to return to it at a later stage. That way, you can refer to some new synonyms when you need them.