Understanding how to use the phrase “on request” correctly is crucial for clear and professional communication in various contexts, from customer service to formal requests. This seemingly simple phrase carries significant weight, indicating a willingness to provide something when asked, but its proper usage can sometimes be confusing.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the use of “on request,” covering its definition, structural elements, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone looking to improve their English grammar, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use “on request” effectively and accurately.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “On Request”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of “On Request” in Sentences
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “On Request”
The phrase “on request” is an adverbial phrase that indicates that something will be provided or done only when someone asks for it. It signifies availability, readiness, or willingness to provide something if specifically requested.
It implies a contingency; the action or provision is conditional upon a request being made.
Classification: Adverbial Phrase
Function: Modifies a verb or the entire clause, indicating the condition under which an action is performed or something is provided.
Contexts: “On request” is commonly used in:
- Customer service: Indicating that assistance or information is available when asked.
- Formal communication: Stating that documents or services will be provided when requested.
- Business settings: Specifying that certain actions or provisions are contingent on a request.
- Legal contexts: Outlining the conditions under which information or documents can be obtained.
Structural Breakdown
The phrase “on request” consists of two parts:
- “On”: A preposition indicating condition or dependence.
- “Request”: A noun referring to the act of asking for something.
The structure is relatively fixed; variations are uncommon. The phrase typically follows the verb it modifies, indicating when or under what condition the action described by the verb will occur.
It often appears at the end of a sentence or clause to provide clarity and emphasis.
The phrase works by setting a condition: the action or item is *only* available if someone asks for it. This contrasts with things that are automatically provided or readily available without needing to be asked for.
Types and Categories
While the core meaning of “on request” remains consistent, its application can vary slightly depending on the context. Here are some categories:
1. Information “On Request”
This refers to providing data, details, or explanations when asked. For example, “Detailed reports are available on request.”
2. Documents “On Request”
This refers to providing official papers, files, or records when requested. For example, “The contract can be provided on request.”
3. Services “On Request”
This refers to performing tasks, offering assistance, or providing support when asked. For example, “Technical support is available on request.”
4. Items “On Request”
This refers to providing physical objects or goods when requested. For example, “Extra blankets are available on request.”
5. Actions “On Request”
This refers to performing a specific action only when someone asks. For example, “The system will be updated on request.”
Examples of “On Request” in Sentences
The following tables provide numerous examples of “on request” used in various contexts. These examples illustrate the different ways the phrase can be incorporated into sentences to convey specific meanings.
Example Table 1: General Usage
This table showcases general examples of “on request” in everyday situations.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Additional information is available on request. | Providing further details when asked. |
| The full report can be provided on request. | Offering a complete document when requested. |
| Support is available on request. | Offering assistance when asked. |
| Extra towels are available on request. | Providing additional items when requested. |
| The system will be restarted on request. | Performing an action when asked. |
| Copies of the minutes are available on request. | Providing meeting records when asked. |
| The data can be analyzed further on request. | Offering additional analysis when requested. |
| Assistance with the project is available on request. | Providing help with a task when asked. |
| Detailed invoices are available on request. | Offering itemized bills when requested. |
| Customized reports can be generated on request. | Offering tailored reports when asked. |
| The software can be updated on request. | Offering to update software when asked. |
| Maintenance services are provided on request. | Offering maintenance when asked. |
| The room service menu is available on request. | Providing the menu when asked. |
| Dietary information is provided on request. | Offering dietary information when asked. |
| The security footage can be reviewed on request. | Offering to review footage when asked. |
| The policy documents are available on request. | Offering policy documents when asked. |
| The training materials can be provided on request. | Offering training materials when asked. |
| The configuration settings can be changed on request. | Offering to change settings when asked. |
| The product demonstration is available on request. | Offering a product demonstration when asked. |
| The customer support team is available on request. | Offering the support team’s services when asked. |
| The financial statements are provided on request. | Offering the financial statements when asked. |
| The legal documents are available on request. | Offering legal documents when asked. |
| The research data is accessible on request. | Offering research data when asked. |
Example Table 2: Business Context
This table illustrates the use of “on request” in professional and business environments.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| A detailed project proposal is available on request. | Offering a comprehensive proposal when asked. |
| The company’s financial statements can be provided on request. | Offering financial records when requested. |
| Customized solutions are available on request. | Offering tailored solutions when asked. |
| Additional marketing materials will be sent on request. | Offering marketing resources when requested. |
| The contract terms can be modified on request. | Offering to change the contract terms when asked. |
| The software license can be extended on request. | Offering to extend the license when asked. |
| A demo of the product is available on request. | Offering a product demonstration when asked. |
| Technical documentation can be provided on request. | Offering technical documents when requested. |
| Consultation services are available on request. | Offering consultation services when asked. |
| Training sessions can be scheduled on request. | Offering training sessions when asked. |
| Pricing information is available on request. | Providing cost details when asked. |
| A sample of the product will be sent on request. | Offering a sample when asked. |
| The customer service team is available on request. | Offering support from the customer service team when asked. |
| The data protection policy is available on request. | Providing the data protection policy when asked. |
| The employee handbook can be accessed on request. | Offering access to the employee handbook when asked. |
| The risk assessment report is available on request. | Providing the risk assessment report when asked. |
| The sustainability report can be provided on request. | Offering the sustainability report when asked. |
| The audit trail can be reviewed on request. | Offering to review the audit trail when asked. |
| The service level agreement is available on request. | Providing the service level agreement when asked. |
| The security protocols will be shared on request. | Offering to share security protocols when asked. |
| The project timeline can be adjusted on request. | Offering to adjust the project timeline when asked. |
| The meeting agenda is available on request. | Offering the meeting agenda when asked. |
| The contact list can be provided on request. | Offering the contact list when asked. |
Example Table 3: Customer Service Context
This table focuses on how “on request” is used in customer service scenarios.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| A full refund is available on request, if the product is returned within 30 days. | Offering a refund under specific conditions when asked. |
| Technical support is available on request 24/7. | Offering round-the-clock technical assistance when asked. |
| A replacement part will be shipped on request. | Offering to send a replacement part when asked. |
| A product demonstration can be scheduled on request. | Offering a product demonstration when asked. |
| A detailed explanation of the charges is available on request. | Offering a breakdown of charges when asked. |
| A catalog of our products will be sent on request. | Offering to send a product catalog when asked. |
| Assistance with setting up your account is available on request. | Offering help with account setup when asked. |
| A troubleshooting guide can be provided on request. | Offering a guide to solve problems when asked. |
| Additional information about the warranty is available on request. | Offering more details about the warranty when asked. |
| A customer service representative is available on request. | Offering help from a representative when asked. |
| A copy of the invoice can be resent on request. | Offering to resend the invoice when asked. |
| The delivery schedule can be checked on request. | Offering to check the delivery schedule when asked. |
| The order status can be tracked on request. | Offering to track the order status when asked. |
| The return policy can be explained on request. | Offering to explain the return policy when asked. |
| The frequently asked questions (FAQ) list is available on request. | Offering the FAQ list when asked. |
| The contact information for support is available on request. | Offering support contact information when asked. |
| The product manual can be provided on request. | Offering the product manual when asked. |
| The complaint form can be sent on request. | Offering the complaint form when asked. |
| The discount code can be provided on request. | Offering a discount code when asked. |
| The account settings can be modified on request. | Offering to modify account settings when asked. |
| The subscription details can be viewed on request. | Offering to view subscription details when asked. |
| The feedback form is available on request. | Offering a feedback form when asked. |
| The user guide can be provided on request. | Offering a user guide when asked. |
Example Table 4: Formal and Legal Contexts
This table demonstrates the use of “on request” in more formal and legal situations.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The documents will be released on request, subject to legal review. | Releasing documents under specific legal conditions when asked. |
| A formal hearing can be scheduled on request. | Scheduling a formal hearing when asked. |
| The evidence will be disclosed on request, as per the court order. | Disclosing evidence according to legal requirements when asked. |
| The terms of the agreement can be reviewed on request. | Offering a review of the agreement when asked. |
| A written statement will be provided on request. | Offering a written statement when asked. |
| Access to the files will be granted on request, with proper authorization. | Granting file access with authorization when asked. |
| The deposition transcripts are available on request. | Offering deposition transcripts when asked. |
| The legal opinion can be provided on request. | Offering a legal opinion when asked. |
| The non-disclosure agreement is available on request. | Offering the NDA when asked. |
| The intellectual property rights will be transferred on request. | Offering to transfer IP rights when asked. |
| The litigation documents can be provided on request. | Offering litigation documents when asked. |
| The court records are accessible on request. | Offering access to court records when asked. |
| The arbitration agreement is available on request. | Offering the arbitration agreement when asked. |
| The compliance reports can be provided on request. | Offering compliance reports when asked. |
| The regulatory filings are accessible on request. | Offering access to regulatory filings when asked. |
| The data privacy policy is available on request. | Offering the data privacy policy when asked. |
| The terms and conditions can be reviewed on request. | Offering to review terms and conditions when asked. |
| The insurance policy details are available on request. | Offering insurance policy details when asked. |
| The warranty information can be provided on request. | Offering warranty information when asked. |
| The safety guidelines will be shared on request. | Offering to share safety guidelines when asked. |
Usage Rules
Here are the key rules to follow when using “on request”:
- Placement: Generally placed at the end of the sentence or clause it modifies.
- Context: Ensure the context is appropriate. It should be used when something is genuinely available but not automatically provided.
- Clarity: Make sure it’s clear *what* is available on request. Avoid ambiguity.
- Formality: “On request” is generally suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts. Avoid using it in very casual conversations.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in its usage. If you offer something “on request,” be prepared to provide it promptly when asked.
Exceptions: There are no strict exceptions, but consider the audience and level of formality. In very informal settings, using simpler language may be more appropriate.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes people make when using “on request”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| We on request provide the information. | We provide the information on request. | Incorrect word order. “On request” should typically follow the verb. |
| The information is on request only. | The information is available on request only. | Missing verb. You need to specify that the information *is available*. |
| On request, the report. | The report is available on request. | Incomplete sentence. The sentence needs a verb and subject. |
| You can on request get support. | You can get support on request. | Awkward word order. The phrase should follow the verb. |
| On request for the document. | The document is available on request. | “On request” does not require “for” after it in this context. |
| Information on requesting. | Information is available on request. | Incorrect form. Use the noun “request,” not the gerund “requesting.” |
| We give on request. | We give on request. (Needs context to specify what is given) We give the documents on request. |
The sentence is grammatically correct, but lacks context. It needs to specify *what* is given. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “on request” with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences using “on request.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Detailed invoices are available _____. | on request |
| Technical support is provided _____. | on request |
| A full refund is available _____. | on request |
| Additional information will be provided _____. | on request |
| The contract can be modified _____. | on request |
| The company’s financial statements are available _____. | on request |
| A product demonstration can be scheduled _____. | on request |
| A replacement part will be shipped _____. | on request |
| The report is accessible _____. | on request |
| The software can be updated _____. | on request |
Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
Correct the following sentences that incorrectly use “on request.”
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| We on request provide support. | We provide support on request. |
| The manual is on request. | The manual is available on request. |
| On request, the information. | The information is available on request. |
| You can on request get a refund. | You can get a refund on request. |
| On request for the catalog. | The catalog is available on request. |
| Information on requesting. | Information is available on request. |
| We give on request the documents. | We give the documents on request. |
| Support on request only. | Support is available on request only. |
| The document on requesting. | The document is available on request. |
| Financial report on request. | The financial report is available on request. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Create sentences using “on request” based on the following prompts.
| Prompt | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| A detailed project proposal | A detailed project proposal is available on request. |
| Technical documentation | Technical documentation can be provided on request. |
| Consultation services | Consultation services are available on request. |
| Training sessions | Training sessions can be scheduled on request. |
| Pricing information | Pricing information is available on request. |
| A sample of the product | A sample of the product will be sent on request. |
| The customer service team | The customer service team is available on request. |
| The data protection policy | The data protection policy is available on request. |
| The employee handbook | The employee handbook can be accessed on request. |
| The risk assessment report | The risk assessment report is available on request. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these nuances:
- Implied conditions: Sometimes, “on request” implies unstated conditions. For example, “The documents will be released on request” might imply “subject to legal review.”
- Alternatives: Explore synonyms like “upon request,” “if requested,” or “when requested” for variety. However, “on request” is generally the most concise and widely understood.
- Combining with other phrases: “On request” can be combined with other adverbial phrases for greater precision. For example, “The data will be provided on request and subject to approval.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “on request.”
- Is “on request” formal or informal?
It’s generally considered semi-formal to formal. It’s suitable for business correspondence, customer service interactions, and formal requests. In very casual conversations, simpler language might be more appropriate.
- Where should I place “on request” in a sentence?
Typically, it should be placed at the end of the clause or sentence it modifies. This provides clarity and emphasis on the condition under which something is provided.
- Can I use “upon request” instead of “on request”?
Yes, “upon request” is a synonym and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. However, “on request” is often preferred for its conciseness.
- What if I can’t fulfill a request made “on request”?
It’s crucial to be transparent. If you cannot fulfill a request, explain the reasons clearly and offer alternative solutions if possible. For example, “The document is not currently available, but we can provide a summary on request.”
- Does “on request” imply any obligations?
Yes, it implies a willingness and readiness to provide the requested item or service. Failing to fulfill a request after offering something “on request” can damage credibility.
- How can I make my use of “on request” more specific?
Add clarifying information. For example, “The report is available on request, subject to management approval,” or “Technical support is available on request 24/7.”
- Is it okay to use “on request” even if there’s a fee involved?
Yes, but it’s important to be upfront about any associated fees. For example, “The detailed report is available on request for a fee of $50.”
- Can I use “on request” for something that’s readily available?
While grammatically correct, it’s generally redundant. “On request” implies that something is *not* automatically provided. If it’s readily available, simply state that it is available.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “on request” is essential for effective communication in professional, formal, and customer service contexts. By understanding its definition, structural elements, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can confidently incorporate this phrase into your writing and speech.
Remember to prioritize clarity, context, and consistency to ensure your message is accurately conveyed. Practice using the phrase in various scenarios, and refer back to this guide whenever you need a refresher.
With consistent effort, you’ll master the art of using “on request” and enhance your overall English proficiency.