appeal for help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'appeal for help' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you are asking someone or a group for assistance with a certain task. For example: The charity is making an appeal for help from volunteers who can assist with the event.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Time, then, to appeal for help.

The Guardian - Sport

Police and relatives issued an appeal for help in finding the pair on Monday and Tuesday.

Independent

Comment on the plight of the starving children of Biafra and an appeal for help.

The New Yorker

In that sense, Mr. Weinstein's carefully stage-managed video appeal for help was a notable anomaly.

The New York Times

Their voices are an appeal for help and protection which cannot be ignored".

The Guardian

His appeal for help to Attorney General John Ashcroft has gone unanswered.

The New York Times

Baffled and alarmed, they appeal for help to a mild-mannered local solicitor, Robert Blair.

The Guardian - Books

The theft prompted a public appeal for help and the release of CCTV on BBC's Crimewatch.

The Guardian

He particularly wanted to show me the most critical patients, in an appeal for help.

The New York Times - Magazine

A Twitter His sister Maya Sonvico, 20, also posted an appeal for help finding him on YouTube.

Independent

He kept up his grieving husband act, later appearing on television to appeal for help in tracing the killers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about the type of help you need when making an "appeal for help". This increases the likelihood of receiving relevant and effective assistance.

Common error

Don't simply state an "appeal for help" without providing context. Explain the situation, the specific problem, and the type of assistance required to ensure your request is clear and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appeal for help" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It's often used as the object of a verb (e.g., make an "appeal for help", issue an "appeal for help") or as a subject complement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appeal for help" is a common and grammatically correct way to request assistance, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase and is frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and science contexts. While versatile, clarity and specificity are key when using it. Consider using more formal alternatives like "request assistance" in professional settings. Remember to provide context to increase the effectiveness of your "appeal for help". Ludwig's examples show its widespread use, reinforcing its validity and adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for assistance

A simple and direct way of requesting help.

call for assistance

A public announcement or request for help.

reach out for help

Highlights the act of extending oneself to obtain help.

seek aid

Emphasizes the action of looking for assistance.

request assistance

Formal alternative focusing on the act of asking for aid.

solicit support

Highlights the act of asking for backing or encouragement.

cry for help

Highlights a desperate need for aid, often emotional.

implore aid

Stresses the desperate need for help.

beseech assistance

A more formal and urgent request for help.

seek intervention

Suggests needing help from an outside party to resolve an issue.

FAQs

How can I use "appeal for help" in a sentence?

You can use "appeal for help" to describe a situation where someone is asking for assistance. For example, "The organization made an "appeal for help" after the disaster".

What's a more formal alternative to "appeal for help"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "request assistance" or "solicit support", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "appeal for help"?

"Appeal for help" is appropriate when you need to formally or publicly ask for assistance in a situation, whether it's for a personal problem, a community issue, or a broader cause. It implies a sense of urgency or need.

What is the difference between "appeal for help" and "cry for help"?

"Appeal for help" is a general request for assistance. A "cry for help" is a more emotional and urgent expression of needing assistance, often implying a state of distress or desperation.