a desperate appeal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a desperate appeal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a strong request or plea made in a state of urgency or extreme need. Example: "In her speech, she made a desperate appeal for help to those affected by the disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Reynaud had written Roosevelt a desperate appeal.

The New York Times - Books

A desperate appeal to the sulky Achilles has failed to persuade him to reënter the fray.

The New Yorker

One day she sent a desperate appeal to the writer to come & see her.

The New Yorker

"This is not a desperate appeal by a convicted criminal defendant — these are substantial allegations that have great weight".

The New York Times

Earlier in January police blocked aid to one of France's largest refugee camps at Grande-Synthe near Dunkirk, prompting a desperate appeal for help amid rapidly deteriorating conditions.

Independent

A new video released by the pirates shows the couple making a desperate appeal for the Government to intervene in their plight.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Alarmed by these trends, Mariaçu's two chiefs recently made an unusual and desperate appeal for help: they asked the Brazilian police, who generally do not have jurisdiction in Indian towns, to enter their community and crack down on traffickers and substance abusers, even if that would mean putting the Indians at the mercy of Brazilian laws.

The New York Times

The captain became the country's most capped outfield player here, his 116th international marked with a free-kick bent on to the roof of the net, one desperate appeal for a penalty and complaints when Theo Walcott's goal was disallowed in the last minute of normal time.

The Guardian - Sport

Only a desperate emergency appeal by Beckett blocked their expulsion.

The New Yorker

10th over: West Indies 95-0 (Charles 39, Gayle 51) Kieswetter has a desperate, lone appeal for a catch when Gayle whips at Dernbach's first delivery.

The Guardian - Sport

Updated at 3.47am GMT 3.43am GMT 6th over: New Zealand 8-2 (lead by 247; Fulton 4, Taylor 3) Ross Taylor pads up to Stuart Broad and is given not out despite a desperate LBW appeal.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a desperate appeal", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation of urgency and significant need. This phrase carries a strong emotional weight, so use it judiciously to avoid exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "a desperate appeal" in situations that are not genuinely dire. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic or insincere. Instead, consider more neutral phrases like "a request" or "an invitation" if the situation doesn't warrant the intensity of "desperate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desperate appeal" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing a specific type of request or plea. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase emphasizes the urgency and criticality of the request. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from political situations to personal crises.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a desperate appeal" is a noun phrase that describes an urgent and critical request. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media sources. While generally neutral, its impact can be heightened or diluted depending on the context, making judicious use important. Related phrases like "an urgent plea" or "a frantic request" can provide alternative nuances. The phrase is best reserved for situations where genuine urgency and need are present to avoid seeming melodramatic. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, reinforcing its acceptance in journalistic and formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an urgent plea

Replaces "desperate" with "urgent", emphasizing the need for immediate attention.

a frantic request

Substitutes "desperate" with "frantic", highlighting the heightened emotional state.

an agonizing entreaty

Emphasizes the pain and suffering associated with the appeal.

a heartfelt plea

Emphasizes the sincerity and emotional depth of the request.

a dire entreaty

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a sense of extreme urgency and need.

a critical supplication

Highlights the critical nature or importance of the request.

an earnest supplication

Uses more formal language, stressing the serious and sincere nature of the appeal.

a last-ditch effort

Shifts the focus to the final attempt to gain assistance, implying a lack of other options.

a pressing solicitation

Highlights the urgency and persistence behind the request.

a cry for help

Simplifies the phrase to a basic expression of need and vulnerability.

FAQs

How can I use "a desperate appeal" in a sentence?

You can use "a desperate appeal" to describe someone making a final, urgent request for help or intervention. For example, "The organization issued "a desperate appeal" for donations to prevent the closure of the shelter".

What's a good alternative to "a desperate appeal"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "an urgent plea", "a frantic request", or "a cry for help".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a desperate appeal"?

It's appropriate when the situation involves a high degree of urgency, risk, or need, and the appeal is made as a last resort. It's most suitable when other options have been exhausted or are insufficient.

Is "a desperate appeal" formal or informal?

The phrase "a desperate appeal" is generally considered neutral, though its use implies a serious situation. While you can use it in news reporting, business communications, and even personal contexts, it is important to consider the gravity of the situation. In some contexts, phrases such as "a dire entreaty" or "an earnest supplication" might better fit more formal register.