asks for mercy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asks for mercy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is pleading for forgiveness or compassion, often in situations of distress or desperation. Example: "In the face of overwhelming odds, the defeated warrior asks for mercy from his conqueror."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A highlight of the performance was a plaintive rendition of the Kyrie Eleison, the portion of the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass that asks for mercy, in this case from the incessant petro-fueled din.

The New York Times

Field compared it to a man who kills his parents, and then asks for mercy because he is an orphan.

Los Angeles Times

Stephanopoulos is like the kid who murders his parents and then asks for mercy because he's an orphan.

Huffington Post

When he asks for mercy from the Senators of Athens for a soldier (the minor salve of banishing the man for life rather than killing him) and is rudely denied, Cathey is also shocked.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The son asked for mercy.

The New York Times

I ask for mercy for everybody".

The New York Times - Magazine

Likewise, asking for "mercy" felt lowly and serflike.

The New Yorker

"I ask for mercy from God," he said.

The New York Times

I like that I spend my days asking for mercy, not punishment.

Independent

"He said that he did, and that's why he was asking for mercy".

The New York Times

He will field 20 questions about The Wire before asking for mercy.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asks for mercy", consider the tone and context. It implies a position of supplication or desperation. Ensure this aligns with your intended message.

Common error

While appropriate in certain contexts, overuse of "asks for mercy" can sound overly dramatic or sentimental in formal or business writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "requests leniency" or "appeals for understanding" depending on your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asks for mercy" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "asks" is the verb and "for mercy" is a prepositional phrase acting as the object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asks for mercy" is a grammatically correct and usable expression employed to convey a plea for compassion or forgiveness, according to Ludwig AI. Although it is relatively rare, appearing mostly in News & Media contexts, its meaning is clear and consistently used in appropriate situations. When considering its usage, it's important to assess the intended tone, since it implies supplication. Alternatives such as "pleads for clemency" or "appeals for compassion" can be used to modulate the level of formality. Ludwig confirms that the examples provided are correct and showcase its appropriate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleads for clemency

Focuses on a formal request for leniency, often in a legal context.

begs for forgiveness

Emphasizes seeking absolution for wrongdoing.

implores for lenience

Similar to 'pleads', but carries a stronger sense of urgency and desperation.

appeals for compassion

Highlights the request for understanding and empathy.

supplicates for grace

Highlights the request as a humble entreaty, often in a religious context.

cries out for leniency

Suggests a desperate and emotional request for reduced punishment.

entreats for pardon

Focuses on seeking official forgiveness for an offense.

seeks absolution

Centers on the desire to be cleared of guilt or sin.

beseeches for understanding

Emphasizes seeking comprehension and empathy from the listener or reader.

prays for deliverance

Highlights the desire to be rescued or freed from a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "asks for mercy" in a sentence?

You can use "asks for mercy" to describe someone pleading for compassion or forgiveness, like: "The defendant "asks for mercy" from the judge."

What does it mean when someone "asks for mercy"?

When someone ""asks for mercy"", it means they are pleading for compassion, leniency, or forgiveness, often in a situation where they are facing punishment or severe consequences.

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

You can use alternatives like "pleads for clemency", "begs for forgiveness", or "appeals for compassion depending on the context.

What is the difference between "asks for mercy" and "demands justice"?

"Asks for mercy" implies a position of humility and a request for leniency, while "demands justice" implies a firm insistence on receiving what is rightfully due, often in response to a perceived wrong.