appeal to

USAGE SUMMARY

"appeal to" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to consider something (an idea, argument, or statement) because it has a positive or exciting element. For example, "The mayor's promise of free healthcare for all citizens is sure to appeal to voters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Appeal to their selfishness.

The New York Times

I appeal to ministers.

The Guardian

It won't appeal to men.

The New York Times

Appeal to his thrifty side.

WikiHow

This could appeal to beginners.

The New York Times - Tech

Who do we appeal to?

Independent

Detectives first appeal to pride.

The New York Times

Appeal to authority head.

Cornell University

"That will always appeal to certain kids".

The New York Times

He intends to appeal to the courts.

The Economist

Others appeal to rather less conventional interests.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "appeal to", ensure the object of your appeal is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether you are appealing to logic, emotion, or authority.

Common error

Avoid using "appeal to" when a more direct request or command is appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound indirect or passive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appeal to" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It is used to describe the action of making a request or entreaty, often with the intention of persuading someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appeal to" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of making a request or entreaty, often to persuade someone. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and appropriate across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news media and wiki sources. While relatively neutral in tone, the effectiveness of "appeal to" depends on understanding the audience and tailoring the appeal to their specific values or interests. Be mindful of potential misuse by avoiding overuse in situations where a direct approach is more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urge to

Suggests a strong recommendation.

request to

More formal and polite.

ask to

More direct and less nuanced in conveying influence.

call on to

Formal and implies a duty or obligation.

implore to

Conveys a sense of urgency or desperation.

apply to

Suggests making a formal request or claim.

entreat to

Formal and emphasizes a sincere plea.

beseech to

Highly formal and emotive.

solicit to

Implies actively seeking something.

refer to

Indicates directing attention or making a connection to something.

FAQs

How can I use "appeal to" in a sentence?

You can use "appeal to" when you want to persuade someone by connecting with their values, emotions, or interests. For instance, "The advertisement aims to appeal to people's sense of nostalgia."

What's a more straightforward alternative to "appeal to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "ask", "urge", or "request" for a more direct approach. Alternatively, for a slightly more formal approach, you could try "request to".

Is it better to "appeal to" logic or emotion?

The choice depends on your audience and the message you're conveying. Appealing to logic can be effective for presenting facts and data, while appealing to emotion can resonate more deeply with personal values and experiences. It is also possible to "appeal to their senses".

What is the difference between "appeal to" and "refer to"?

"Appeal to" suggests an attempt to persuade or influence, whereas "refer to" simply means to mention or allude to something. Therefore, when aiming to convince, "appeal to" is more fitting, while "refer to" is suitable for providing information.