appeal for clemency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appeal for clemency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts when requesting mercy or leniency, often in relation to a punishment or sentence. Example: "The defendant's lawyer submitted an appeal for clemency, arguing that the circumstances of the case warranted a lighter sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Mrs. Kerry's appeal for clemency required great courage.

The New York Times

Within hours, the President's office received a brief cabled appeal for clemency from Eichmann's wife.

The New York Times

But the Georgia pardons board has just denied his appeal for clemency.

The New York Times

For those sentenced to death, an appeal for clemency was automatic.

The Economist

He wanted her help in his appeal for clemency and also to say goodbye.

The New Yorker

Defending, Andrea Pelle said her client was likely to appeal for clemency to President Pal Schmitt.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

He has rejected appeals for clemency for 64 drug smugglers and manufacturers sentenced to death.

The Economist

In some of the appeals for clemency, personal connections to Mr. Barbour were unabashedly made.

The New York Times

The Bazoft case drew worldwide attention, and the British government appealed for clemency.

The New York Times

Brand appealed for clemency in the cases of Chan and Sukumaran before their deaths.

Independent

13 May: Chan appeals for clemency from president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, ensure you use "appeal for clemency" when a formal request for leniency from a governing body or executive is intended. Avoid using it in informal contexts.

Common error

Don't use "appeal for clemency" interchangeably with general appeals. Clemency specifically refers to seeking mercy or pardon from a high authority, not a standard legal appeal. An appeal to a court challenges a prior decision; clemency is a request for forgiveness or reduced punishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appeal for clemency" functions as a noun phrase that describes the act of formally requesting mercy or leniency, typically from a high authority, such as a president or a board of pardons. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appeal for clemency" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term, particularly within the context of news and media reporting on legal matters. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a formal request for mercy or leniency, often directed to an executive authority such as a president or a pardons board. While alternatives like "request for leniency" or "plea for mercy" exist, "appeal for clemency" carries a specific connotation of a formal legal process. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a request directed towards a high authority figure with the power to grant such leniency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request for leniency

Focuses on the act of asking for reduced punishment or more lenient treatment.

plea for mercy

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of asking for compassion.

application for pardon

Specifically refers to seeking a formal release from legal punishment.

petition for forgiveness

Highlights seeking absolution and understanding for an offense.

entreaty for leniency

A more formal and earnest request for reduced severity in judgment or punishment.

submission for mitigation

Implies presenting factors that might lessen the severity of a sentence.

suit for clemency

A slightly more legalistic or formal way to refer to the appeal process.

cry for mercy

Suggests a desperate and urgent appeal for compassion.

bid for clemency

Emphasizes the attempt or effort made to secure clemency.

overture for leniency

A formal proposal or approach made with the intention of securing more lenient treatment.

FAQs

What does "appeal for clemency" mean?

An "appeal for clemency" is a formal request for mercy or leniency, typically addressed to a government official or body, seeking to reduce or eliminate a punishment for a crime.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "appeal for clemency"?

Use "appeal for clemency" when referring to a formal request for pardon or reduced punishment, especially in the context of legal proceedings or when addressing a high-ranking official with the power to grant such leniency.

What can I say instead of "appeal for clemency"?

You can use alternatives like "request for leniency", "plea for mercy", or "application for pardon" depending on the context.

How does an "appeal for clemency" differ from a standard legal appeal?

An "appeal for clemency" is a request for mercy, often based on mitigating circumstances or rehabilitation, directed to an executive authority. A standard legal appeal, on the other hand, challenges the legal basis of a conviction or sentence in a court of law.