asking for indulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for indulgence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting patience or understanding from someone, often in a formal or apologetic context. Example: "I appreciate your patience as I navigate this complex issue, and I am asking for indulgence as I work towards a resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

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

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

Wikipedia

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

Layoff specialists recommend asking for a special indulgence.

The New York Times

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

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

Mr. Guerrera had a sure-fire argument to use when asking for his wife's indulgence.

The New York Times

Most of all he seriously handicaps himself at the start by asking for the audience's indulgence of his 42-year-old self, as he put it.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "asking for indulgence" when you need to politely request understanding or patience from someone, especially in situations where you anticipate causing inconvenience or making errors. For example, "I am still learning, so I'm asking for your indulgence".

Common error

Avoid overusing "asking for indulgence" as it can sound overly formal or insincere if used too frequently. Instead, vary your language with simpler phrases like "please be patient" or "I appreciate your understanding" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for indulgence" functions as a polite request or plea for understanding, patience, or leniency. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is often used when acknowledging a potential inconvenience or admitting a fault.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asking for indulgence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to politely request understanding or leniency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. While not exceedingly common, it appears mainly in News & Media. When writing, keep in mind that while the phrase itself is correct, overuse can make it seem insincere. Alternatives such as "requesting leniency" or "seeking understanding" may be more appropriate depending on the context and desired tone. Remember that context and tone are crucial when choosing the best way to communicate your request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appealing for clemency

A formal request for mercy or reduced severity in judgment.

requesting leniency

Focuses specifically on seeking forgiveness or reduced punishment.

requesting forbearance

A formal way of asking for patience and self-control in the face of provocation.

seeking understanding

Emphasizes a desire for comprehension and acceptance of a situation.

pleading for patience

Directly asks for forbearance and tolerance during a delay or difficulty.

desiring understanding

Communicates the preference for being heard and appreciated in your actions.

begging for understanding

A more emphatic version of seeking understanding, conveying greater urgency.

imploring understanding

Stresses the intensity and gravity with which the speaker needs their position to be heard.

seeking acceptance

Asks for the other party to take your point of view and actions into consideration with no resentment.

soliciting compassion

Appeals to the listener's empathy and understanding of the speaker's situation.

FAQs

What does "asking for indulgence" mean?

The phrase "asking for indulgence" means requesting someone's patience, understanding, or leniency, typically when admitting a fault or anticipating a difficulty.

How can I use "asking for indulgence" in a sentence?

You might say, "I'm new to this project, so I'm "asking for indulgence" as I learn the ropes." This politely asks for understanding while you gain experience.

What are some alternatives to "asking for indulgence"?

Instead of "asking for indulgence", consider using alternatives like "requesting leniency", "seeking understanding", or "pleading for patience" depending on the context and desired tone.

Is "asking for indulgence" too formal?

While "asking for indulgence" can be perceived as formal, its appropriateness depends on the context. In more casual settings, phrases like "bear with me" or "please be patient" might be more suitable, while formal situations may warrant "asking for indulgence".