a plea for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plea for" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a request, a plea, or an urgent plea, usually for help or assistance. For example, "She made a plea for financial support to help her get through college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expecting a plea for directions, we stopped.

The New York Times

A plea for a YouTube literature category.

The New Yorker

It was a plea for leniency.

The New Yorker

The work is a plea for conservation.

The New York Times

I make a plea for her.

The New York Times

Was he making a plea for eugenics?

The New Yorker

"This is not a plea for relativism.

The New York Times - Books

It amounts to a plea for compassion.

The Guardian - Books

It is a plea for more emails.

The Guardian - Sport

It signifies a plea for forgiveness.

The New York Times

(It's a plea for AIDS relief, naturally).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plea for" when you want to express a heartfelt and urgent request for something, especially when seeking help, support, or understanding in a serious situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a plea for" in casual or lighthearted situations. The phrase carries a weight of seriousness and urgency that can sound overdramatic if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plea for" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces or describes an earnest request. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, reflecting its role in conveying urgency and sincerity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plea for" is a noun phrase used to express an urgent and heartfelt request. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news media and scientific contexts, conveying a sense of seriousness. While versatile, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings to maintain its impact. Remember that alternatives like "an appeal for" or "a request for" might be more suitable depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. By understanding its nuances, you can use "a plea for" effectively to communicate a genuine need or desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An appeal for

Replaces "plea" with "appeal", suggesting a more formal or widespread request.

A request for

Substitutes "plea" with "request", indicating a more polite and less urgent appeal.

A call for

Replaces "plea" with "call", suggesting a public or widespread demand.

A cry for

Substitutes "plea" with "cry", emphasizing the emotional urgency of the appeal.

A demand for

Replaces "plea" with "demand", suggesting a firm and non-negotiable request.

A petition for

Indicates a formal written request signed by multiple people.

A supplication for

Substitutes "plea" with "supplication", denoting a humble and earnest request, often to a higher power.

A solicitation for

Indicates a request for something, usually contributions or support.

An entreaty for

Replaces "plea" with "entreaty", suggesting a sincere and persuasive request.

A yearning for

Implies a strong desire or longing for something, similar to a plea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a plea for" to introduce a request, such as "The organization issued "a plea for" donations to support their cause" or "His speech was "a plea for" understanding and forgiveness".

What are some alternatives to "a plea for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an appeal for", "a request for", or "a call for". Each carries slightly different connotations of urgency and formality.

Is it better to use "plea for" or "appeal for"?

Both "plea for" and "appeal for" are correct, but "plea for" often implies a greater sense of urgency and desperation, while "appeal for" is generally more formal and can suggest a broader, more public request.

Can "a plea for" be used in business writing?

Yes, "a plea for" can be used in business writing, but it should be used judiciously. It's best reserved for situations where a serious need or urgent request must be communicated, such as "a plea for" increased funding or support during a crisis.