ask for amnesty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for amnesty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting forgiveness or exemption from punishment, often in a legal or political context. Example: "The refugees decided to ask for amnesty in hopes of being allowed to stay in the country without fear of deportation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Lawyers involved in the inquiry said Ms. Brooks received permission from Sotheby's to approach the prosecutors and ask for amnesty for herself.

The New York Times

Though pressed to enter the U.S. Senate, he declined to "ask for amnesty," for he felt he had done nothing wrong in fighting for states' rights under the Constitution, and he never regained his citizenship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The president of the Swiss Cycling Federation said yesterday that the cyclists who are due to meet with the International Cycling Union in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Tuesday could ask for amnesty for colleagues who have admitted taking drugs.

The New York Times - Sports

While he said the handing down of the death penalty came from the courts, and that those convicted could ask for amnesty, he added: "There will be no amnesty for drug dealers".

The Guardian

But we say to our friends outside: do not ask for pardon, do not ask for amnesty.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

These bills come due at the beginning of each semester and are subject to late fees if not paid on time, though generally asking for amnesty on late payments will get the late-fees waived (though not the facilities and student activities fees themselves).

Columbia University

Are they going to ask for an amnesty for all the riders so that cycling can start afresh?

The New York Times - Sports

He added that he had received many letters ahead of Pope Francis's visit asking for an amnesty, but he was unsure whether there would be one or who it would include.

The Telegraph

In return, you did not ask for government positions — just an amnesty that would allow you to live in dignity.

The New Yorker

Amnesty will ask for a "mass text action" by the 1,200-strong 1,200-strongits audienceundratsits annualmpaigning comedy event during the fundraisingturing comics and fringe veterans incampaigningny Ecomedy FreventcAulay, Eduringe, Russell Kane and Mark Wathen.

The Guardian

It offered amnesty to anyone who would come forward and confess their crimes in the apartheid era, and in the resistance to it, and ask for forgiveness.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask for amnesty", ensure the context involves seeking forgiveness or exemption from legal consequences, particularly in political or social situations.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for amnesty" when simply seeking a pardon for minor offenses. Amnesty typically applies to larger groups or politically motivated situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for amnesty" functions as a verb phrase, where "ask" is the main verb and "for amnesty" acts as a prepositional phrase specifying the object of the request. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, pointing to contexts of requesting exemption from punishment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for amnesty" is a grammatically correct phrase used to request forgiveness or exemption from punishment, especially in political contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and identifies its common usage in news and media. While not extremely frequent, it's important to use the phrase accurately, understanding that amnesty usually involves a group pardon for politically sensitive issues. Related phrases include "request amnesty" and "appeal for amnesty". Use it judiciously to avoid misrepresenting the scope or nature of the request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request amnesty

Replaces the verb "ask" with the more formal "request".

seek amnesty

Uses "seek" instead of "ask", implying a more proactive approach.

appeal for amnesty

Emphasizes the formal nature of the request as an appeal.

plead for amnesty

Highlights the urgency and desperation in seeking amnesty.

apply for amnesty

Suggests a formal application process for receiving amnesty.

petition for amnesty

Implies a formal written request to an authority.

make a plea for amnesty

Phrases the request as a formal and emotional appeal.

beg for amnesty

Emphasizes humility and desperation in the request.

entreat for amnesty

Uses a more formal verb, "entreat", to express a sincere request.

solicit amnesty

Implies seeking or requesting amnesty from a specific entity or authority.

FAQs

How to use "ask for amnesty" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for amnesty" when referring to a formal request for pardon, such as, "The political prisoners decided to "ask for amnesty" from the new government."

What is a more formal alternative to "ask for amnesty"?

A more formal alternative to "ask for amnesty" is to "request amnesty" or "appeal for amnesty".

What's the difference between "ask for amnesty" and "ask for a pardon"?

"Ask for amnesty" typically refers to a broader pardon for a group of people, often related to political offenses, while "ask for a pardon" is usually an individual request for forgiveness of a specific crime.

When is it appropriate to "ask for amnesty"?

It's appropriate to "ask for amnesty" when seeking a general pardon for offenses, often political in nature, from a governing body or authority. For example, rebels might "ask for amnesty" after a conflict.