I plead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I plead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or when expressing a strong emotional appeal or request. Example: "I plead for your understanding in this difficult situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I plead the Fifth".

The New York Times

I plead guilty.

The New York Times - Arts

"But I'm interesting," I plead.

The New York Times

If so, I plead guilty.

The New York Times - Health

"I plead guilty to that.

The New York Times

"I plead guilty," Trivers adds.

The New York Times - Books

I plead not guilty".

The Guardian - Opinion

I plead you!

The Guardian - Tech

I plead genetics.

The Guardian - Sport

"I plead guilty," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I pleaded.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I plead" to express a legal stance, ensure you understand the implications of the plea. In other contexts, consider the emotional weight the phrase carries; it suggests a high degree of urgency or desperation.

Common error

Avoid using "I plead" in everyday conversations where a simple request or statement would suffice. Overusing it can make your communication sound melodramatic or insincere. Instead, opt for phrases like "I ask" or "I request" for more casual scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I plead" functions primarily as a performative utterance, where the act of saying it accomplishes a specific action, such as making a formal plea in court or expressing a heartfelt request. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I plead" is a versatile expression used to convey a strong request, defense, or admission. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, demonstrating its widespread use. While generally acceptable, the specific context dictates the most appropriate alternative. Consider alternatives like "I beg", "I request", or "I confess" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Overuse in casual conversation should be avoided to prevent sounding melodramatic. When deciding if it's appropiate, remember to take the legal or emotional weight of "I plead" into consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I beg

Emphasizes a humble and earnest request.

I implore

Highlights a desperate and urgent request.

I beseech

Adds a formal and earnest tone to the request.

I entreat

Suggests a persuasive and heartfelt request.

I request

Offers a more neutral and polite alternative.

I ask

Presents a straightforward and simple request.

I confess

Indicates an admission of guilt or wrongdoing.

I admit

Implies acknowledging a truth or fact.

I maintain

Expresses a firm declaration or assertion.

I assert

Suggests a confident and forceful statement.

FAQs

How can I use "I plead" in a sentence?

You can use "I plead" to express an urgent request, as in "I plead for your forgiveness", or in a legal context, such as "I plead not guilty". The tone is often formal or emotionally charged.

What can I say instead of "I plead"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "I beg", "I request", "I confess", or "I admit". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I plead you"?

While "I plead with you" is a common and correct construction, "I plead you" is less standard. It's generally better to use "I plead with you" for clarity and wider acceptance.

What's the difference between "I plead guilty" and "I confess"?

"I plead guilty" is typically used in a legal setting to formally admit guilt to a charge. "I confess" is a broader term that can be used in various contexts to admit wrongdoing or a secret. While "I confess" can sometimes be used interchangeably, "I plead guilty" has a specific legal connotation.