a genuine plea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a genuine plea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a heartfelt or sincere request for help or understanding. Example: "Her speech was a genuine plea for compassion and support during difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Here was a genuine plea for help that I don't expect Richard Levin, Charles Bailyn, or Pericles Lewis to answer in ways that will matter.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, this can never occur from the standpoint of an observer or even another sufferer; but rather in the form of a suffrage of love, a genuine supplication and divine plea for the coming together of all the sacred hoops of this 'New World'.

Huffington Post

They are genuine pleas, in which Shakespeare lays himself open before his audience and says: "I can't do this on my own".

The Guardian

But his confession of profound weariness, his pleas for a genuine rest at the end of 12 months that have seen him box 63 championship rounds and accumulate gross earnings of more than £7m, were convincing enough.

The Guardian - Sport

Simon McKay, Sgt Nightingale's solicitor, said the appeal against conviction would be made on the grounds that his guilty plea was not a genuine reflection of criminal culpability.

Independent

His statement also included a plea.

The New York Times

Genuine people running a genuine game".

The Guardian - Sport

This remains a genuine problem.

The Economist

To find a genuine music.

The New York Times - Books

Pinball is a genuine subculture.

The New York Times

(This was a genuine misspeak).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a genuine plea" when you want to emphasize the sincerity and authenticity of a request or appeal. It's especially effective when the request is for help, understanding, or support in a difficult situation.

Common error

While "a genuine plea" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it in overly formal or academic writing. In such contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "a sincere request" or "an earnest appeal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a genuine plea" functions as a noun phrase where "genuine" modifies the noun "plea". It describes the quality of the plea, emphasizing its sincerity and authenticity. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is used to express heartfelt requests.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a genuine plea" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes a sincere and authentic request or appeal. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is usable in written English and is frequently found in journalistic and less formal settings. While alternatives such as "a sincere request" or "an earnest appeal" may be more suitable for highly formal contexts, "a genuine plea" effectively conveys a sense of urgency and heartfelt sincerity. The phrase is most commonly used in news and media, and it's important to ensure that your use of the phrase aligns with the desired tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sincere request

Replaces "genuine" with "sincere", emphasizing the honesty and depth of feeling in the request.

an authentic request

Substitutes "genuine" with "authentic", highlighting the originality and sincerity of the request.

an earnest appeal

Substitutes "plea" with "appeal" and "genuine" with "earnest", highlighting the serious and heartfelt nature of the request.

a bona fide plea

Uses the Latin term "bona fide" to convey the genuineness and good faith of the plea.

a heartfelt entreaty

Uses "heartfelt" to replace "genuine", and "entreaty" for "plea", emphasizing the emotional and sincere nature of the request.

a truthful supplication

Replaces "genuine" with "truthful" and "plea" with "supplication", focusing on the honesty and humility of the request.

a pure appeal

Replaces "genuine" with "pure", emphasizing the unadulterated and sincere nature of the appeal.

a candid solicitation

Employs "candid" instead of "genuine" and "solicitation" for "plea", underscoring the direct and honest nature of the request.

a real cry for help

Replaces "genuine plea" with a more descriptive phrase indicating a desperate need for assistance.

a legitimate request

Focuses on the validity and justification of the request, using "legitimate" instead of "genuine".

FAQs

What does "a genuine plea" mean?

The phrase "a genuine plea" refers to a request or appeal that is sincere, honest, and comes from the heart. It suggests that the person making the plea truly believes in what they are asking for and is not being manipulative or insincere.

How can I use "a genuine plea" in a sentence?

You can use "a genuine plea" when describing a request for help, understanding, or change. For example, "The victim's statement was "a genuine plea" for justice" or "His "a genuine plea" for forgiveness touched many hearts".

What are some alternatives to "a genuine plea"?

Some alternatives to "a genuine plea" include "a sincere request", "an earnest appeal", "a heartfelt entreaty", or "a truthful supplication". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a genuine plea" formal or informal?

"A genuine plea" is generally considered to be appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, although it might be perceived as slightly more emotionally charged than alternatives like "a sincere request". It is often used in journalistic writing and personal communications.