We kindly request

You usually follow this phrase with a noun or a 'that' clause. For example, We kindly request your presence at a meeting. Or, We kindly request that you finish the report. It is very flexible. You can use it in emails, letters, or formal speeches. It often appears at the beginning of a request to set a polite tone. It makes the reader feel valued rather than pressured.

Use this in professional settings. It is perfect for wedding invitations. It works well for company-wide announcements. Use it when emailing a client you do not know well. It is also great for public notices, like at a library. If you need to ask a stranger for a favor, this phrase is your best friend. It bridges the gap between being a stranger and being a partner.

Do not use this with your best friends. It will sound like you are joking or being sarcastic. Imagine telling your roommate, I kindly request you wash your socks. They will probably laugh at you! Avoid it in casual texts or over coffee. It is too stiff for a relaxed environment. Also, do not use it if you are actually angry. It can come across as passive-aggressive in a heated argument.

In English-speaking business culture, directness can sometimes feel rude. We use 'softeners' to protect people's feelings. Kindly is a classic British-influenced softener. It suggests a sense of community and mutual respect. In the US, it is still common in formal legal or corporate documents. It dates back to a time when letters were the only way to communicate. People wanted to sound as sophisticated as possible on paper.

You might see We would like to request or We cordially invite. Some people just use Please kindly. If you are writing for yourself, use I kindly request. If you want to be even more formal, try We humbly request. However, We kindly request is the 'Goldilocks' version. It is not too cold, and not too dramatic. It is just right for most professional needs.