a plea for support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plea for support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting assistance or backing from others, often in a formal or emotional context. Example: "The organization issued a plea for support to help those affected by the recent disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr. Morsi's formal request for the military to restore order was "not so much an instruction as a plea for support," Mr. Bahgat said.

The New York Times

So was Representative Marilyn Musgrave, a freshman Republican from Colorado whose first telephone call from President Bush was a plea for support on Medicare.

The New York Times

The book is unashamedly a polemic and a plea for support for this grand vision, and its partisanship, first-person conversational style and occasionally immoderate comments may distract some readers from its message.

Bioscience Hypotheses

Emily Dyke, 14, considered quitting after she was abused by adults during two consecutive games, but she decided against it after writing a plea for support from the touchline.

The Guardian

Whelan, having decided not to buy United because he believed it would damage JJB's replica-shirt trade if he were associated with one club, bought Wigan following a plea for support from a then director, Stan Jackson Jonathanan's father.

The Guardian - Sport

The new UN-backed unity government in Tripoli has made a plea for support in rebuilding its shattered navy and coastguard so it can tackle migrant and arms traffickers operating in increasing numbers across the wartorn country and in its seas.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As a plea for Hispanic support, this is not just dishonest, it's pitiable.

The New York Times

Smolin's book is worth taking seriously as a plea for more support for minority viewpoints.

The New York Times - Books

It is less like a plea for CEO support and more like a declaration of independence.

Harvard Business Review

In a plea for international support posted online on Tuesday, Ms. Seif's group, No Military Trials for Civilians, decried what it called the military government's use of prosecution against critics in the media.

The New York Times

It's by no means an explicit propaganda piece, nothing like "The Lion Has Wings," a plea for increased support for the Royal Air Force that Korda produced during a production delay on "Thief".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the object or cause that you're requesting support for is clearly defined. Ambiguous appeals often fall flat because potential supporters don't understand exactly what they're being asked to back.

Common error

Avoid framing every request as "a plea". Over-reliance on emotionally charged language can desensitize your audience and make your requests seem insincere. Reserve this phrase for situations where genuine urgency or strong emotion is warranted, and in all other instances switch to "a request for assistance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plea for support" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, conveying a request or appeal. It's used to express a need or desire for assistance or backing from others.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plea for support" is a valid and understandable phrase often used to express a sincere request for assistance or backing. As Ludwig AI highlighted, it commonly appears in various contexts, including news, formal communications, and even scientific discourse, albeit with varying degrees of frequency. While grammatically correct, consider the emotional weight of the phrase and use alternatives like "a request for aid" or "an appeal for backing" for a more neutral tone. Remember to avoid overusing emotionally charged language and clearly define the cause or object of your request. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a request for aid

Replaces "plea" with the more neutral "request" and "support" with "aid", making it less emotionally charged.

an appeal for backing

"Appeal" and "backing" offer a slightly more formal tone than "plea" and "support".

a call for assistance

Using "call" emphasizes a public or widespread request, while "assistance" is a more formal synonym for "support".

a cry for help

This alternative is more dramatic and suggests a situation of urgency or distress.

a solicitation for contributions

This suggests a formal fundraising effort, replacing the general "support" with a specific type of assistance.

a supplication for help

"Supplication" is a very formal and humble request, emphasizing deference.

an entreaty for assistance

"Entreaty" suggests a sincere and earnest request, often used in formal contexts.

a petition for aid

"Petition" implies a formal written request addressed to an authority.

seeking endorsement

Focuses specifically on gaining approval or validation, a specific type of support.

rallying cry

Significantly different because it is intended to inspire widespread action or emotion

FAQs

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

You can use "a plea for support" when you want to express a sincere or urgent request for assistance or backing. For example, "The charity issued "a plea for support" to help families affected by the natural disaster".

What are some alternatives to "a plea for support"?

Alternatives include "a request for aid", "an appeal for backing", or "a call for assistance", depending on the desired tone and context.

What is the difference between "a plea for support" and "a demand for support"?

"A plea for support" suggests a humble and sincere request, while "a demand for support" implies a forceful or authoritative request. A plea is typically made from a position of need, whereas a demand comes from a position of power or entitlement.

Is "a plea for support" suitable for formal writing?

While acceptable, "a plea for support" can be perceived as somewhat emotionally charged. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "a request for assistance" or "an appeal for backing" for a more neutral tone.