"Dare I say this?" What's the exact meaning of the phrase and what are the alternatives?

Question

I am an English learner here.

I am filling in an application form for a program and I would like to make a special request on something.

I don't want to be rude, and I don't want to cause any inconvenience. To be honest, I don't even know if my application would be successful, and now I am here demanding special treatment.

This makes me wonder what is the best way to put forward a request when you are not exactly in the position to do so?

I have heard people say "Dare I say" before. From the context, I assume it was used when you are afraid that the next statement might be offensive.

In this situation, can I start with "Dare I ask the following?" If it sounds weird, is there any alternative?

Thanks guys.

Answer 1

"Dare I say" or "dare I ask" should both be understood by your readers.

For this particular context, alternatives might be:

• "If it's no trouble, ..."
• "It would be helpful if ..."
• "Although it's not required, I would appreciate ..."

On the other hand, if you're making a deal-breaking demand, you might want to word it more forcefully.

If the application includes a spot for custom requests or ideas, that's what they expect you to put there - no apologies necessary.

Answer 2

"May I please request" should be sufficiently polite. For example

May I please request to be housed in a room on the ground floor.

If you want to sound a little more apologetic, or make it clear that you're aware that the request is unusual, you could add "if at all possible".