ask for pardon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for pardon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is seeking forgiveness or expressing regret for a mistake or offense. Example: "After realizing his mistake, he decided to ask for pardon from his friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Nobody's come to see me and ask for pardon, and I wouldn't give it.

The New Yorker

"The word sorry does not resolve anything, but we want to ask for pardon," he said.

The Guardian

García believes all Eta members should ask for pardon, though he knows many will not.

The Guardian

And yet it seems that Mr Putin needed Mr Khodorkovsky to ask for pardon at least as much as if not more than Mr Khodorkovsky himself.

The Economist

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

Wikipedia

We see that humans are most likeable when they admit their vulnerability and errors, when they extend a hand and ask for pardon.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It may involve asking for pardon or forgiveness.

The Washington Post

It said leaders of dioceses and religious orders had made "errors," and asked for pardon.

The New York Times

"Eta has not asked for pardon, nor does it repent of its crimes".

The Guardian

He asked for pardon from the transsexual singer and all those he had hurt unwillingly.

The Guardian - Opinion

On November 12th Mr Khodorkovsky wrote a letter to Mr Putin, asking for pardon without any mention of his guilt.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ask for pardon", ensure the context clearly indicates the act or offense for which forgiveness is being sought. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for pardon" in situations where a simple apology would suffice. Overusing it can make you sound overly dramatic or insincere, especially if the offense is minor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for pardon" functions as a request for forgiveness or absolution. Ludwig AI states that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is typically used after acknowledging a mistake or wrongdoing, and implies a desire for the offended party to grant forgiveness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for pardon" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for requesting forgiveness or expressing remorse. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides real-world examples from reliable sources. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "apologize", it maintains a neutral to formal register. Its usage is particularly prevalent in News & Media sources where transgressions are discussed. When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate, and avoid overuse in trivial situations to maintain sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek forgiveness

Focuses more on the act of seeking absolution rather than the specific request of a pardon.

request forgiveness

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the act of requesting.

beg for forgiveness

Implies a greater degree of desperation or humility in seeking pardon.

apologize

A more direct expression of regret, though it doesn't necessarily encompass seeking pardon.

express remorse

Focuses on conveying feelings of regret rather than a specific request.

sue for peace

Implies the request aims to stop hostility, conflict or negative repercussions because of a past action.

plead for leniency

Appeals for a more lenient judgment or punishment.

throw oneself on the mercy of the court

A formal, legal context of seeking leniency from a judge or court.

cry mea culpa

Foreign phrase meaning admitting their fault or guilt.

make amends

Suggests taking actions to repair the damage caused by wrongdoing.

FAQs

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

Use "ask for pardon" when you want to express regret and seek forgiveness for an offense or mistake. For example, "After realizing his error, he decided to ask for pardon from his colleague".

What can I say instead of "ask for pardon"?

You can use alternatives like "seek forgiveness", "request forgiveness", or simply "apologize" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ask for pardon" or "beg for pardon"?

"Ask for pardon" is generally used in formal contexts. "Beg for pardon" implies a more urgent or desperate plea for forgiveness.

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

While similar, "ask for pardon" can sometimes imply a more formal or legal context, such as seeking a pardon from a governing body. "Ask for forgiveness" is a more general term.