Should you write “requestor” or “requester”? Both words exist in English and look almost identical, but one is much more common than the other. This is a frequent confusion for English learners and even native speakers.

This article is part of our Comparative Words series, where we explain the difference between similar English terms, when to use each, and how to avoid mistakes with clear examples and a quick quiz.

What Does “Requester” Mean?

“Requester” is the standard and most common English term used to refer to a person making a request. It is widely used in everyday communication, professional contexts, and most English-speaking countries.

Examples:

• “The requester filled out a form to get access to the building.”
• “Please include the requester’s email address in the ticket.”

What Does “Requestor” Mean?

“Requestor” is a less common spelling that also refers to someone making a request. It is typically used in legal, technical, or administrative contexts, and may appear in the U.S. within government documents or software systems.

Examples:

• “The IT system automatically logs the requestor’s ID.”
• “A requestor must provide proper authorization before proceeding.”

Key Differences: Requestor vs Requester

Word	Frequency	Context	Example
Requester	✅ Common	General English, everyday and professional use	“The requester submitted a support ticket.”
Requestor	⚠️ Less common	Legal, technical, administrative documents	“Each requestor must sign the access form.”

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Assuming “requestor” is a typo — it’s valid but less common.
• ❌ Using “requestor” in everyday English where “requester” is standard.
• ✅ Best practice: use “requester” unless you’re in a legal or technical setting that specifies “requestor.”

Easy Tricks to Remember

• 🧠 Think of “requester” as the default and safest choice in English.
• ⚖️ If you’re reading a legal document or IT manual, you might see “requestor.”
• 📌 Tip: When in doubt, write “requester” to avoid confusion.

Quick Practice Exercise

Choose the correct word for each sentence:

1. The --Choose-- requestor requester submitted a new leave request.
2. In U.S. government forms, the term --Choose-- requestor requester is sometimes used.
3. The support team responded to the --Choose-- requestor requester within 24 hours.
4. The system tracks the identity of each --Choose-- requestor requester .

Check Answers

Bonus Resources

• More word comparisons → AulaPlanet
• Cambridge Dictionary: “Requester”
• Wikipedia: English spelling variations

Conclusion

Both requestor and requester are correct English words. However, “requester” is the more common and widely accepted form in general English, while “requestor” appears mainly in legal or technical contexts. When in doubt, choose “requester.”

📲 Continue exploring similar English word comparisons in our Comparative Words series on AulaPlanet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)