beg forgiveness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beg forgiveness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is seeking to apologize sincerely for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "After realizing the impact of his actions, he decided to beg forgiveness from those he had hurt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Every night I flood the bed with tears to beg forgiveness that her soul should forgive me for all the sin that I did".

The New York Times

And don't use money to beg forgiveness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The miller starts to confess, to beg forgiveness.

The New Yorker

I kneel down and beg forgiveness!" He came back.

The New Yorker

I come before you today to apologize and beg forgiveness.

The New York Times

Will he burst into tears and beg forgiveness?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He begged forgiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

Executives have apologised and begged forgiveness.

The Guardian

They prostrated themselves before Fulamatu's feet and begged forgiveness.

The New York Times

It begs forgiveness for any spelling or grammatical errors.

The Guardian - Tech

"It shouldn't even be on the table," he said, immediately begging forgiveness for the wordplay.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beg forgiveness" when you want to emphasize the sincerity and desperation in seeking forgiveness. It suggests a deep sense of regret and a willingness to do whatever it takes to be forgiven.

Common error

Don't use "beg forgiveness" lightly or insincerely. It should reflect genuine remorse, not just a desire to smooth things over. If you aren't truly sorry, a simple apology might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beg forgiveness" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong request for pardon. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It commonly appears in contexts where an individual or entity is acknowledging a significant transgression and seeking reconciliation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beg forgiveness" is a powerful expression used to convey deep remorse and a sincere desire for pardon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. While related to simply "apologize" or "ask for forgiveness", it carries a heavier weight, suggesting a profound sense of regret. Remember to use "beg forgiveness" judiciously, ensuring it reflects genuine remorse and a willingness to make amends. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "seek absolution" or "plead for mercy" to fine-tune your expression based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Request forgiveness

A straightforward and neutral way to ask for forgiveness.

Beseech forgiveness

A more archaic and dramatic way to ask for forgiveness.

Implore forgiveness

Similar to 'beseech', but perhaps slightly less formal.

Ask for pardon

A more formal way to request forgiveness, often used in legal or official settings.

Seek absolution

Implies a more formal or religious context of seeking forgiveness.

Plead for mercy

Emphasizes the severity of the offense and the supplicant's vulnerability.

Express remorse

Highlights the feeling of deep regret and guilt for one's actions.

Apologize profusely

Focuses on the act of apologizing in a very intense or elaborate manner.

Make amends

Focuses on actions taken to repair the damage caused by one's actions.

Say sorry

A simple and direct expression of regret.

FAQs

How to use "beg forgiveness" in a sentence?

You can use "beg forgiveness" when expressing deep regret and seeking pardon for a wrongdoing. For example: "After realizing the severity of his mistake, he decided to "beg forgiveness" from those he had hurt."

What can I say instead of "beg forgiveness"?

You can use alternatives like "ask for forgiveness", "plead for forgiveness", or "seek absolution" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "beg forgiveness" or "ask for forgiveness"?

Both ""beg forgiveness"" and "ask for forgiveness" are correct, but ""beg forgiveness"" implies a greater degree of humility and remorse.

What's the difference between "beg forgiveness" and "apologize"?

"Beg forgiveness" suggests a more profound sense of regret and supplication than simply "apologize". It's used when the offense is severe and the speaker is actively seeking to be pardoned.