request an extension

Meaning

To request an extension means to formally ask an instructor, professor, or supervisor for additional time to complete and submit an assignment or project beyond the original deadline. This is typically done in writing, such as via email, and requires a valid reason like illness or personal emergency.

Examples

• If you are struggling to meet the deadline, you should request an extension as soon as possible.

  If you are struggling to meet the deadline, you should request an extension as soon as possible.

• She had to request an extension because she fell ill during the week of midterms.

  She had to request an extension because she fell ill during the week of midterms.

• The professor rarely grants requests, so make sure you have a good reason to request an extension.

  The professor rarely grants requests, so make sure you have a good reason to request an extension.

• I sent a formal email to request an extension of three days on my term paper.

  I sent a formal email to request an extension of three days on my term paper.

• It is unprofessional to request an extension just a few hours before the assignment is due.

  It is unprofessional to request an extension just a few hours before the assignment is due.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to ask a delay for my essay.

  ✓ I want to request an extension for my essay.

  In academic and professional English, we 'request an extension' for deadlines, rather than 'asking for a delay'.

• ✗ Can I request an extension of my homework?

  ✓ Can I request an extension on my homework.

  We request an extension 'on' an assignment, project, or paper, not 'of' it.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Due to unforeseen circumstances, I need to ___ on my research project.

  💡 Formally ask for more time to finish your work.

  Show answer

  request an extension

• It is best to ___ at least forty-eight hours before the paper is due.

  💡 Ask the professor for a later deadline.

  Show answer

  request an extension