We ask that (someone)(do something)

This is a very formal way for a company or organization to ask a group of people to do something. It means "Please ___" but sounds a lot more respectful. Here are some examples:

We ask that you refrain from talking during the presentation.

We ask that you be patient while we work to address this problem.

When you use this structure, the verb is in the simple form:

We ask that you wait here.

We ask that you be there at 6:00 a.m.

This phrase appears in these lessons: