0
Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Use of "that" or "to" with "request"

I'm not sure how to ask this in a generic way, so may I just ask using a specific example? Is the following grammatically correct, and if not why?

"This letter requests Anycompany Incorporated delay conducting the test."

My grammar sense tells me it should be either

"...requests that Anycompany..." or

"...requests Anycompany Incorporated to delay...",

but I'm not sure what rule(s) dictate this. Thanks for whatever help can be provided. (I wish I had paid better attention in English class!)
  

Top answer

This letter requests ACI delay conducting the test. This letter requests that ACI delay conducting the test. This letter requests ACI to delay conducting the test.

— Mister Micawber

  • This letter requests ACI delay conducting the test.
  • This letter requests that ACI delay conducting the test.
  • This letter requests ACI to delay conducting the test.
  • These are all grammatically possible and equivalent in meaning.
  • 'That' may usually be omitted, but in this case (where 'request' calls for the subjunctive 'delay'), the sentence sounds a little unusual so is clearer with 'that'; therefore, I would us #2 or #3 (which is just another structure for saying the same thing.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
This letter requests ACI delay conducting the test.

This letter requests that ACI delay conducting the test.

This letter requests ACI to delay conducting the test.

These are all grammatically possible and equivalent in meaning. 'That' may usually be omitted, but in this case (where 'request' calls for the subjunctive 'delay'), the sentence sounds a
0

Related Questions