ask for your indulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for your indulgence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when requesting someone's patience or understanding, often in a formal context. Example: "As we navigate through these unexpected changes, I ask for your indulgence as we work to resolve the issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I ask for your forgiveness".

Independent

I ask for your understanding.

The New Yorker

I ask for your prayers".

BBC

We ask for your understanding.

eLife

Ask for your extension.

WikiHow

Ask for your picture up.

WikiHow

Ask for your customers' emails.

WikiHow

Asking for your password?

WikiHow

I thank you for your indulgence, Your Honor, and I want to conclude by thanking everyone who supported me over the last few years.

The Guardian - Tech

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ask for your indulgence" when you need to politely request patience or understanding from an audience, especially in formal settings such as presentations or written communications where unforeseen circumstances may cause delays or require extra consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for your indulgence" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious in settings where a simple "please bear with me" or "sorry for the delay" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for your indulgence" functions as a polite and formal request. It's typically used to preface a situation where the speaker anticipates needing the listener's patience, understanding, or leniency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for your indulgence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to politely request patience or understanding, primarily in formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not overly common in everyday speech, it serves as a respectful way to prepare an audience for potential inconveniences, delays or any other kind of disturbance. Related phrases like "request your patience" or "seek your understanding" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context. When using "ask for your indulgence", it is important to consider whether the level of formality is appropriate for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request your patience

Emphasizes the need for the listener to be patient.

seek your understanding

Focuses on asking the listener to comprehend a situation.

beg your pardon

A more direct and formal way of asking for forgiveness or excusing oneself.

crave your understanding

Highlights a strong desire for the listener's understanding.

solicit your forbearance

Requests a tolerant attitude or restraint from the listener.

seek your leniency

Implies asking for a more lenient or forgiving approach.

ask for your clemency

A formal request for mercy or reduced punishment.

seek your compassion

Emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding.

implore your patience

Stresses the urgency and importance of needing patience.

request your understanding and support

Broadens the request to include both comprehension and active assistance.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "ask for your indulgence"?

The phrase "ask for your indulgence" is best used in formal settings when requesting patience or understanding, especially when you anticipate causing an inconvenience or disruption. It's suitable for presentations, formal letters, or public announcements.

What are some alternatives to "ask for your indulgence"?

You can use alternatives like "request your patience", "seek your understanding", or "beg your pardon" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "ask for your indulgence" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "ask for your indulgence" is generally considered too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler phrases like "please be patient", "excuse me", or "sorry for the delay" are usually more appropriate in informal settings.

What is the difference between "ask for your indulgence" and "ask for your forgiveness"?

"Ask for your indulgence" is used when you anticipate causing a minor inconvenience and need patience or understanding. "Ask for your forgiveness" is used when you have made a mistake or caused offense and are seeking pardon.