asks for clemency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asks 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, often in relation to a punishment or sentence. Example: "The defendant asks for clemency, hoping the judge will consider his circumstances before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By way of explanation, Steven Anreder, a spokesman for the firm, said, "If we didn't have bonuses, we wouldn't have had anybody working for us". That sounds like the classic definition of chutzpah: A young man, after murdering his parents, asks for clemency on grounds that he is an orphan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His mother wrote to Franco to ask for clemency.

The Guardian - Books

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The New York Times

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

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

The New Yorker

Mr. Cochran said he was considering whether to ask for clemency or to seek to overturn the conviction.

The New York Times

The governor was said to have wished to commute Parsons's sentence, too, but Parsons had refused to ask for clemency.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asks for clemency", ensure the context involves a formal or legal situation where leniency is being requested from an authority figure. Use it to convey a direct request for mercy in sentencing or punishment.

Common error

Avoid using "asks for clemency" in casual conversations. The phrase is formal and sounds out of place when used in informal settings where simpler expressions like "asks for forgiveness" or "begs for mercy" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asks for clemency" functions as a verb phrase indicating a direct request for leniency or pardon, typically within a legal or formal context. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and examples, where the phrase is used to describe formal appeals for reduced punishment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "asks for clemency" is a grammatically correct and formal way to express a request for leniency, often within a legal or official setting. According to Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating a formal appeal to an authority figure. When writing, it’s important to use this phrase in appropriate, formal contexts and avoid using it in casual conversation to maintain the proper tone. Alternatives such as "seeks clemency" or "appeals for leniency" may be considered for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeks clemency

Implies a formal attempt to obtain clemency.

appeals for leniency

Highlights the act of making a heartfelt request for reduced punishment.

begs for mercy

Emphasizes desperation and humility in the request.

petitions for pardon

Refers specifically to a formal petition for a pardon.

requests a pardon

Directly asks for a pardon.

pleads for forgiveness

Focuses on seeking forgiveness, implying remorse.

entreats for leniency

Uses a more formal and less common verb for requesting leniency.

sues for peace

Metaphorically applies the concept of seeking peace to a legal or punitive context.

craves mercy

Implies a deep longing and need for mercy.

solicits leniency

Suggests a formal or business-like request for leniency.

FAQs

How to use "asks for clemency" in a sentence?

Use "asks for clemency" when someone is formally requesting leniency or a reduced sentence from a governing authority, like a judge or president. For example, "The lawyer announced that his client "asks for clemency" due to mitigating circumstances."

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

You can use alternatives like "seeks clemency", "appeals for leniency", or "petitions for pardon" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "asks for clemency" or "ask for clemency"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "ask for clemency" with plural subjects (e.g., "They ask for clemency"). Use "asks for clemency" with singular subjects (e.g., "He asks for clemency").

What's the difference between "asks for clemency" and "begs for mercy"?

"Asks for clemency" is a more formal request for leniency from an authority, often in a legal setting. "Begs for mercy" is a more emotional and desperate plea, not necessarily directed at a specific authority and can be used in various contexts.