asked for clemency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asked for clemency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts when someone is requesting mercy or leniency, typically in relation to a punishment or sentence. Example: "The defendant asked for clemency, hoping the judge would consider his circumstances before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Mr. Norwood's widow, Mamie, has also asked for clemency for Mr. Williams.

The New York Times

"Despite the pressure, none of these students, including Ahmad, ever asked for clemency".

The New York Times

Khodorkovsky, upon arrival in Berlin, spoke briefly, only acknowledging that he had asked for clemency "for family reasons".

The New Yorker

Mr Papadopoulos refused to acknowledge the authority of the court and, unlike his fellow conspirators, who were freed early, never asked for clemency.

The Economist

In a letter to Putin last year, Khodorkovsky asked for clemency, and volunteered that he wouldn't get involved in politics should Putin let him out.

The New Yorker

On Thursday, Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, created a sensation by saying that Mikhail Khodorkovsky had asked for clemency and that he would pardon him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

His mother wrote to Franco to ask for clemency.

The Guardian - Books

I am writing to ask for clemency for the prisoners Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa recently wrote a letter to the Texas pardons board asking for clemency.

The New York Times

In July 2010, one of Clark's lawyers, Sara Bennett, delivered hundreds of letters to Gov. David A. Paterson asking for clemency.

The New York Times - Magazine

Starting with tonight's Mass, parishioners will be asked to write letters to President Clinton asking for clemency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asked for clemency", ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the request and who has the power to grant it. This adds clarity and authority to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "asked for clemency" when the situation calls for an acquittal. Clemency implies guilt but seeks leniency, while an acquittal implies innocence and seeks exoneration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asked for clemency" functions as a verb phrase indicating a formal request for leniency or pardon, often in a legal or political context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its usage in various news media outlets.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asked for clemency" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon verb phrase used to describe a formal request for mercy or leniency, typically within a legal or political context. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is primarily found in news and media sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. While the phrase is straightforward, it's important to distinguish it from seeking an acquittal, as "clemency" implies an admission of guilt. Alternatives such as "sought leniency" or "requested a pardon" may be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Knowing when and how to use this phrase effectively enhances the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought leniency

Replaces "asked" with "sought" and "clemency" with "leniency", altering the formality slightly.

requested a pardon

Substitutes "asked for clemency" with a more direct request for a "pardon".

appealed for mercy

Changes the wording to emphasize the emotional aspect of the request.

pleaded for forgiveness

Focuses on the forgiveness aspect of clemency, highlighting remorse.

begged for leniency

Emphasizes the desperation in the request, suggesting a greater need for mercy.

petitioned for clemency

Implies a formal request, often written and submitted to an authority.

sought executive clemency

Specifies that the request is directed towards the executive branch of government.

appealed to be spared

Focuses on avoiding a specific punishment, such as the death penalty.

submitted a plea for mercy

Indicates a formal submission of a request for leniency.

made a plea for leniency

Highlights the act of making a formal appeal for a reduced sentence.

FAQs

What does "asked for clemency" mean?

To "ask for clemency" means to request mercy or leniency, typically from a court or executive authority, in order to reduce or avoid punishment for a crime or offense. It implies admitting guilt but seeking mitigating circumstances.

What can I say instead of "asked for clemency"?

You can use alternatives like "sought leniency", "requested a pardon", or "appealed for mercy" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to "ask for clemency" before being convicted?

Generally, "asking for clemency" implies acknowledging guilt, so it is more appropriate after a conviction or guilty plea, when seeking a reduced sentence or pardon. Before a conviction, one would typically argue for innocence or acquittal.

What's the difference between "asked for clemency" and "appealed the conviction"?

"Asked for clemency" is a request for mercy despite a conviction, whereas "appealed the conviction" is a challenge to the validity of the conviction itself, seeking to have it overturned.