a plea for action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plea for action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when urging or requesting someone to take specific actions or steps in response to a situation or issue. Example: "The report concluded with a plea for action to address climate change before it's too late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

During the debate over unemployment benefits, Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat of Oregon, made a plea for action on behalf of those in need.

The New York Times

Neil Heslin broke down repeatedly as made a plea for action, recounting the day of the massacre in which his son Jesse, 6, died.

The Guardian

She ended her suicide note with a plea for action: "My death needs to be counted in the number of transgender people who commit suicide this year.

The Guardian

Phillips ended her story with a plea for action and warned: "You are one degree of separation from this being your story, and you do not want to walk in our shoes".

The Guardian

We end the paper with a plea for action, as we estimate that about 9%to11%1% of households in European societies are disadvantaged due to the lack of attention for equity in the domain of transport (Section 7).

European Transport Research Review

Later this week, lawmakers will consider a bill on the Asian carp in the House; Great Lakes attorneys general will meet with the Department of Justice; the US EPA will host a discussion on Asian carp in Chicago; and the Supreme Court may rule on a plea for action from Michigan.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Presenting the 12th annual report on children and armed conflict to the Security Council, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Leila Zerrougui made a plea for urgent action.

Unicef

On September 29, he received a letter from Burgoyne (written after Freeman's Farm) in response to his that was a direct plea for action.

Wikipedia

Together, they represent a powerful plea for action by world leaders.

Unicef

So a TED talk can now be from someone involved in organising Tiananmen Square protests, working in Africa or, like venture capitalist John Doerr, making an impassioned plea for action on global warming.

The Guardian - Tech

On his return to the United Kingdom earlier this week McGregor made an urgent plea for action to reach the millions of children needing care, medicines and support.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plea for action" when you want to express an earnest and often emotional request for something to be done, particularly in situations where there is a sense of urgency or need.

Common error

Avoid using "a plea for action" in contexts that require a neutral or factual tone. Reserve it for situations where expressing concern or urgency is appropriate, as overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plea for action" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a strong request or appeal for something to be done. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plea for action" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves as an earnest request for intervention or specific steps to address a situation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, though it is often used in news, business, and formal communications. While alternatives like "a call to action" or "an appeal for action" exist, "a plea for action" carries a specific nuance of urgency and emotional appeal. It's crucial to avoid overusing this phrase in contexts requiring neutrality to maintain its persuasive impact. The phrase is frequently used in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an appeal for action

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

a call to action

Uses "call" instead of "plea", implying a more direct and urgent demand.

an urgent request for action

Adds "urgent" to emphasize the immediacy of the need for action.

a demand for action

Conveys a stronger, less supplicatory tone than "plea".

a passionate appeal for action

Adds the adjective "passionate" to emphasize feelings.

a cry for intervention

Shifts the focus to needing intervention rather than just any action.

a push for reform

Focuses on achieving systematic change through action.

an insistence on action

Highlights the firmness and resoluteness in seeking action.

a strong recommendation for immediate steps

Indicates strong approval or endorsement for instant steps.

a suggestion for immediate steps

Highlights the suggestion or recommendation about the action

FAQs

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

You can use "a plea for action" to express an urgent request for steps to be taken. For example, "The environmental group issued a plea for action to address the rising levels of pollution."

What phrases are similar to "a plea for action"?

Similar phrases include "a call to action", "an appeal for action", or "an urgent request for action". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a plea for action" formal or informal?

"A plea for action" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and the tone you want to convey. It tends to be more persuasive than neutral.

When should I use "a call for action" instead of "a plea for action"?

Use "a call to action" when you want to inspire immediate and decisive steps. "A plea for action" is more suitable when expressing earnest hope and perhaps a sense of desperation.