Request/request for
It is usually common to see candidates and other users of the English language use the preposition 'for' with the verb request. For example:
I requested for a copy of her book.
Well, the use of the preposition 'for' renders the sentence incorrect. Therefore, it should be omitted so that it reads:
I requested a copy of her book.
It doesn't sound too familiar right? Well, if you will sound correct, you have to learn to say it just this way. Carefully consider the examples below.
I got the information I requested.
I got the information I requested (for). (Wrong)
It was there she sat requesting her statement of bank account.
It was there she sat requesting (for) her statement of bank account. (Wrong)
He requested help.
He requested (for) help. (Wrong)
When to use 'for' with request
However, there are instances where you can use 'for' with request. When and how?
a request for some vital documents.
a request for my statement of bank account
a request for a coroner inquest
Why use 'for' with request here while it is said to be unacceptable above? The reason is because 'request' is being used as a noun in the three instances above. How would you know when it (request) is used as a noun? It's simple. It's by the use of the article 'a' before it. Once you use the article 'a' or 'the', or any other modifier before request, it becomes necessary to use the preposition 'for' after it.
(I made) a request for some vital documents.
(I made) a request for my statement of bank account.
Her request for her statement of bank account has been granted.
(The lawyer made)a request for a coroner inquest.
The request for a coroner inquest into the death of the undercover journalist is not out of point.
demand/demand for
The explanation provided for 'request' and 'requested for' also applies to 'demand' and 'demand for'.
I demanded a cup of tea.
She demands too much.
They always demand gifts every Christmas.
I don't seem to know what she demanded.
Examples on 'demand for'
They always made a demand for a gift every Christmas.
The demand for local rice is now on the increase.
Her demand for bail was rejected outright.
Practice Exercises
1. While the Student Union......a decrease in school fees, ASUU also made a......higher pay.
A. demanded/demand for
B. demand/demanded for
C. demanded for/demanded for
D. demand for/demanded
2. During the examination, a student......more answer sheets.
A. request
B. requested for
C. requested
D. request for
3. The workers......payment of their leave allowance.
A. demanded over
B. demanded for
C. demanded
D. demands
4. What was it that she......?
A. requested
B. requested for
C. request for
D. request
5. Please give her all that she.......
A. is requesting for
B. is requesting
C. is requested
D. will be requesting for
Thank you for reading.
The blogger, Olabanji O. Odurombi, can be contacted via SMS, call, and WhatsApp on 08037699294.
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