ask for indulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for indulgence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting patience or understanding from someone, often in situations where one may be causing inconvenience or delay. Example: "I hope you can ask for indulgence as we work through these unexpected challenges together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I am exaggerating: heaven help those who write without being read; for that reason there are too many people writing today and one cannot ask for indulgence for someone who has little to say, and one cannot allow trade-union or corporate sympathies.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He had his D.J. play Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," then wandered around the stage, singing along, asking for indulgence from the small but rabid crowd.

The New York Times - Arts

Although France is headed for a deficit of 3.7 to 3.9percentt, Hollande has asked for indulgence from the European Commission in Brussels and has repeated that his goal is still to meet the treaty requirement.

The Washington Post

To fend it off, he asked for indulgence to double his defence budget, which is limited by an agreement with the countries that give Uganda aid.The tiff is all the more baffling because Mr Museveni and Mr Kagame were once comrades-in-arms.

The Economist

After asking for "indulgence" and "understanding," the secretary said during his remarks that the "current course [the technology industry is on], toward deeper and deeper encryption in response to the demands of the marketplace, is one that presents real challenges for those in law enforcement and national security".

TechCrunch

Nevertheless, she asked for "indulgence" (lenience or pardon) for the three women.

Wikipedia

I ask for your indulgence as I return once again to the issue of human trafficking a topic which, unfortunately, seems to intersect with private military and security contracting more than now and then.

Huffington Post

The tour official ended the interview and Djokovic stopped him, asked for his indulgence, and invited a young girl to join him on the interview dais.

Los Angeles Times

Then, demanding consumers fatten up the cars further by asking for weighty indulgences like seats that heat, cool, massage and play DVDs on rear-facing screens.

The New York Times

I knew, of course, that I should ask for permission before requisitioning somebody's space for my self-indulgence.

The New York Times - Tech

Layoff specialists recommend asking for a special indulgence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask for indulgence", be specific about the reason. This shows awareness and respect for the inconvenience you might be causing.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for indulgence" too frequently. Overuse can make you seem insincere or constantly unprepared. Opt for direct apologies or proactive solutions instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for indulgence" functions as a request or plea for patience, understanding, or forgiveness. It is typically used when the speaker anticipates causing inconvenience or has made a mistake. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is generally considered correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for indulgence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to politely request patience or understanding, particularly when anticipating inconvenience. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's more prevalent in neutral to formal contexts like news and less so in casual conversation. Related phrases include "request patience" and "seek understanding". When employing this phrase, specificity enhances sincerity, but overuse can diminish its impact. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for understanding and patience

Combines two aspects of "ask for indulgence", creating a comprehensive request.

request patience

Focuses specifically on asking for forbearance regarding delays or difficulties.

seek understanding

Emphasizes the desire for others to comprehend a situation or action.

beg forgiveness

Highlights seeking absolution for a mistake or wrongdoing.

plead for leniency

Directly asks for a more lenient judgment or treatment.

request clemency

Similar to leniency, but often used in more formal or legal contexts.

solicit forbearance

A more formal way of requesting patience and restraint.

appeal for understanding

Similar to 'seek understanding', but implies a more urgent or critical need for comprehension.

seek your kind consideration

Asks for thoughtfulness and understanding, often in a polite and formal manner.

throw oneself on the mercy of the court

Asks for understanding during critical situations.

FAQs

How can I politely "ask for indulgence"?

You can phrase it as "I hope you will grant me your indulgence" or "I "ask for your patience"". Using qualifiers like "sincere" or "humble" can also enhance politeness.

Is "ask for indulgence" appropriate in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, but consider the context. Phrases like "seek your understanding" or "request your forbearance" might be more suitable for highly formal or professional settings.

What does it mean to "ask for indulgence"?

It means to request patience, understanding, or leniency from someone, usually when you anticipate causing them inconvenience or when you need understanding for a mistake.

When is it best to "ask for indulgence"?

It's best to use this phrase when you are aware that you might be imposing on someone's time, causing a delay, or when you need understanding due to unforeseen circumstances. It's a way of acknowledging the inconvenience and requesting their patience.