Cool MatePetition vs Request
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Petition
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1noun
Request
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Most formal: PetitionMost common: Request
| Petition | Request | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈtɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pəˈtɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈkwest/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈkwest/"]/ |
| Meaning | A formal request to change something, usually signed by many people. | to ask for something |
| Example | The citizens signed a petition to request better public transportation services. | I would like to make a request for a day off next week. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | protest, online, nominating, sign, draft, launch, ask something, ask for something, call for something, petition against, petition by, petition from, court, bankruptcy, divorce, file, submit, hear, petition for, petition on behalf of | special, legitimate, reasonable, make, put in, send, at somebody’s request, by request, on request, available on request, available upon request, by popular request, special, legitimate, reasonable, make, put in, send, at somebody’s request, by request, on request, available on request, available upon request, by popular request |
| Antonyms | objection, disapproval, opposition | refuse, decline |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'petition' with 'petitioning' - remember that 'petition' is the noun., Using 'petition' without an object - e.g., say 'a petition to change the law', not just 'a petition'., Mispronouncing 'petition' as 'pet-tion' instead of 'pe-tish-un'. | Using 'request' with a different preposition, such as 'request for'., Confusing 'request' with 'require'., Not using it in the correct form, like 'requested' instead of 'requesting'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'petition' in formal contexts, especially when discussing requests for change or appeals to authority. Avoid using it in casual conversations. | Used in polite or formal contexts. It may sound too formal for casual conversations, where simpler words like 'ask' are preferred. |
Frequently asked questions: Petition vs Request
What's the difference between Petition and Request?
Petition: A formal request to change something, usually signed by many people. Request: to ask for something
Which is more formal: Petition and Request?
Petition is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Petition and Request?
Request is the most common in everyday English.
Are Petition and Request the same CEFR level?
Petition: C1, Request: A2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Petition and Request interchangeably?
Not always. Petition and Request are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.