beseech

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'beseech' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'beseech' to ask, plead with, or implore someone to do something, especially with strong emotion. Example: I beseech you to stay with me, I cannot bear to lose you.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I beseech you, ALP, put down the violins, and go have some fun.

The Guardian - Opinion

The words are: "I beseech ye, in the bowels of Christ, think that ye may be mistaken .Judge Hand thought that if we are to be saved it must be through scepticism.

The Economist

ON YOM KIPPUR, the Day of Atonement and holiest festival in Judaism, worshippers beseech God's pardon.

The Economist

Each appoints his own team, which is especially important given the lack of a strong civil service".I feel the burden of this endorsement and I honestly and humbly beseech Almighty God to keep this weak servant away from misery, jealousy, arrogance and egotism," said Mr Rohani during his inauguration speech.

The Economist

In his last appearance, in 1889, Jefferson Davis told the young southerners in his audience: "The past is dead; let it bury its dead …let me beseech you to lay aside all rancour, all bitter sectional feeling, and to take your places in the ranks of those who will bring about a consummation devoutly to be wished a reunited country".

The Economist

"I beseech you to take quite seriously these dreadful words," he wrote.

The Economist

In her first overseas visit as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton recently stopped in Beijing to beseech China's co-operation in fixing the world economy and stopping the planet from frying.

The Economist

Two months before he died, he had given his own valedictory to the graduating class: "I beseech you to treasure up in your hearts these my parting words: Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity".

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Tudor political theory this was a distortion of the proper function of Parliament, which was meant to beseech and petition, never to command or initiate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stir-Up Sunday falls on the last Sunday before the advent, and its routes can be traced to a bible passage reading: "Stir up; we beseech thee, O Lord".

Independent

In the name of the Almighty All Merciful God, we beseech Mr Henning's kidnappers with the words of our Prophet Muhammad - "Show mercy to those on earth, the One in the Heavens will have mercy on you.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beseech" to convey a sense of urgency or deep emotion when making a request. It is suitable for situations where a simple "ask" or "request" would not suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "beseech" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Choose simpler alternatives like "ask" or "request" for casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "beseech" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating the person or entity being implored. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its role in expressing a strong request.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "beseech" is a transitive verb used to express a deeply earnest and emotional request. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its persuasive intent. While it appears most frequently in news and media sources, its formal register makes it unsuitable for casual conversation. When a strong, persuasive appeal is needed, "beseech" is the right term to use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implore

Focuses on earnestly begging someone to do something.

entreat

Suggests a sincere and persuasive appeal.

plead with

Highlights the act of making an emotional appeal.

beg

Emphasizes a humble request or supplication.

appeal to

Involves making a formal or serious request.

importune

Implies persistently asking someone.

supplicate

Suggests humbly asking for something, often from a higher power.

petition

Highlights the act of making a formal written request.

ask earnestly

Emphasizes the sincerity and seriousness of the request.

call upon

Implies a request based on duty or obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "beseech" in a sentence?

You can use "beseech" to express a deeply felt request or plea. For example, "I "beseech" you to reconsider your decision."

What are some alternatives to "beseech"?

Alternatives to "beseech" include "implore", "entreat", and "plead with". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "beseech" too formal for everyday use?

Yes, "beseech" is generally considered a formal word. In most casual conversations, it's better to use simpler alternatives like "ask", "request", or "beg".

What's the difference between "beseech" and "ask"?

"Beseech" implies a more earnest and emotional request than a simple "ask". "Ask" is neutral, while "beseech" suggests that the speaker is deeply invested in the outcome of the request.