begged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is pleading or requesting something earnestly or desperately. Example: "She begged him to reconsider his decision and give her another chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As she left, the SNP leader said the decision was up to the people of Scotland, then joked with photographers as they begged for one more shot of her alone.

The Guardian

"For 20 years we've had Australian viewers watching the show and it's no secret they've begged us to let them join our competion," she joked.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I have begged that Ashley's punishment fit the crime and not an image of him that fits neither the young man I know, nor the man he could still become.

The Guardian

Others begged from the drivers of vehicles waiting at nearby traffic lights.

The Guardian

When fans begged him to come into the audience, he hopped off the stage and into the crowd.

The Guardian - Music

Unfortunately, the only help she was off to seek was financial as she begged the whole village for cash before storming into The Woolpack and covering Marlon in chips as she raged.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A friend begged them not to sell and asked, "Why don't you make your company reflect what you believe in?

The Guardian

He told the youngest daughter, Alice, a story as they rowed along and she begged him to write it down.

The Guardian

Celtic screaming for a penalty here" – it was one of those incidents that begged to be seen again if only to confirm just how blatant the offence was.

The Guardian - Sport

I had begged and begged him not to do that and il m'a promis qu'il wouldn't.

The Guardian - Books

Related: Anne Frank: 10 beautiful quotes from The Diary of a Young Girl Louise O'Neill, author of Only Ever Yours I was fascinated by the second world war as a child and begged my mother to buy me as many books as she could on the subject.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begged", consider the relationship between the individuals involved. Begging often implies a power dynamic or a significant need on the part of the person begging.

Common error

Avoid using "begged" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "requested" or "asked" would be more appropriate. Overusing "begged" can make the writing sound overly dramatic or unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "begged" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb "beg". It is used to describe the action of earnestly or desperately asking for something. Ludwig AI's analysis, coupled with provided examples, confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "begged" functions as the past tense of the verb "beg", carrying a sense of urgency or desperation in making a request. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in overly formal contexts where a more neutral term would be more suitable. Alternatives such as "implored" or "pleaded" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight nuances. Overall, "begged" is effective in conveying a strong sense of need or entreaty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implored

Implied a slightly more formal and earnest request.

pleaded

Suggests a more emotional and urgent appeal.

entreated

A more formal and less common way to say begged.

beseeched

Implies a humble and earnest request, often with desperation.

earnestly requested

Emphasizes the sincerity and seriousness of the request.

fervently appealed

Highlights the passionate and intense nature of the request.

earnestly solicited

Indicates a formal request with a touch of desperation.

made a heartfelt plea

Highlights the emotional depth and sincerity of the request.

urgently requested

Focuses on the time-sensitive or critical nature of the request.

repeatedly asked

Emphasizes the persistence and frequency of the request.

FAQs

How can I use "begged" in a sentence?

You can use "begged" to show that someone is pleading or requesting something earnestly or desperately. For example, "She "begged" him to stay".

What can I say instead of "begged"?

You can use alternatives like "implored", "pleaded", or "entreated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "begged" or "asked"?

"Begged" and "asked" are both correct, but they convey different levels of intensity. "Begged" implies a stronger, more desperate request than "asked".

What's the difference between "begged" and "requested"?

"Begged" indicates a more emotional and urgent plea, whereas "requested" is a more neutral and formal term. Use "requested" in professional contexts and ""begged"" when you want to emphasize the desperation or urgency of the request.