ask for forgiveness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for forgiveness" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, this phrase is used when someone has wronged another person and wishes to apologize or ask for absolution. For example: "I was terribly wrong to have said those things to you; I ask for your forgiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ask for forgiveness when you have done something wrong, and forgive mistakes in turn.

WikiHow

God will not forgive you if you do not regret, repent and ask for forgiveness.

WikiHow

"We ask for forgiveness.

The New York Times

"You ask for forgiveness.

The Guardian

We'll ask for forgiveness later".

The New York Times

"I ask for forgiveness.

The Washington Post

And ask for forgiveness.

The Washington Post

"I ask for forgiveness for that".

The Guardian

I do not ask for forgiveness.

The Washington Post

They ask for forgiveness, not permission.

Harvard Business Review

"You ask for forgiveness, you ask for too much".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "ask for forgiveness", be sincere and specific about the actions you regret. A vague apology is less effective than acknowledging the specific harm you caused.

Common error

Don't assume that saying sorry and to "ask for forgiveness" automatically repairs the damage. Forgiveness is a gift the other person chooses to give; you can't demand it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for forgiveness" functions as a request for absolution or pardon. It typically follows an admission of guilt or wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for forgiveness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express remorse and seek pardon. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. While the phrase is suitable in most scenarios, remember to be sincere and specific about the actions you regret and keep in mind that forgiveness is a gift the other person gives you. Semantically related phrases include "seek forgiveness" or "request absolution" depending on the level of formality you wish to adopt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek forgiveness

More formal and implies a dedicated effort to obtain forgiveness.

ask for pardon

Similar to "ask for forgiveness", but slightly more formal.

request absolution

Highly formal and often used in religious contexts.

beg pardon

An older, more polite way to ask for forgiveness.

apologize

A general term for expressing regret, though not always explicitly seeking forgiveness.

say sorry

Simple and direct, suitable for informal situations.

plead for mercy

Emphasizes the need for compassion and leniency.

seek reconciliation

Focuses on restoring a relationship after a wrongdoing.

throw oneself on someone's mercy

Implies total dependence on the other person's compassion.

make amends

Focuses on taking action to repair the harm caused.

FAQs

How do you use "ask for forgiveness" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for forgiveness" when you want to express regret and seek pardon for a mistake or wrongdoing. For instance, "After realizing his error, he decided to "ask for forgiveness" from those he had hurt".

What's a more formal way to say "ask for forgiveness"?

A more formal alternative to "ask for forgiveness" is to "seek absolution". This phrase is often used in religious or highly formal contexts.

Is it always appropriate to "ask for forgiveness" after an apology?

While it's generally good to apologize, explicitly to "ask for forgiveness" might not always be necessary or appropriate. Sometimes, a sincere apology and a commitment to change are sufficient, particularly if the offense was minor. The key is to be genuine and demonstrate remorse.

What's the difference between to "ask for forgiveness" and "beg pardon"?

To "ask for forgiveness" is a straightforward way of seeking pardon for an offense. "Beg pardon" is an older, more formal expression, often used for minor offenses or misunderstandings. It can also mean 'excuse me'.