calling for leniency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calling for leniency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is advocating for a more forgiving or merciful approach, often in legal or disciplinary situations. Example: "The defense attorney is calling for leniency in sentencing, arguing that the defendant has shown genuine remorse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Alabama now stands alone, she said, in routinely allowing judges to override determinations from capital juries calling for leniency.

The New York Times

A number of those calling for leniency have referred to the Pussy Riot performers as "silly girls".

The New York Times

After Phillipos was convicted, the Globe weighed in with an editorial calling for leniency for him; there was no mention of the other defendants.

The New Yorker

And Mr. Taseer had been particularly outspoken, calling for leniency for a Christian mother of four who was sentenced to death under the law, in a case that stemmed from a dispute in her village.

The New York Times

The novelist John Grisham published an op-ed piece calling for leniency, and the European Union sent a letter to Robert F. McDonnell, the governor of Virginia, asking him to commute Ms. Lewis's sentence to life because of her mental capacities.

The New York Times

An article on Monday about gay rights advocates' calling for leniency in the sentencing of a man who used a webcam at Rutgers to spy on his roommate, who later killed himself, referred incorrectly to the publication of an op-ed article about the case by Jim McGreevey, a former New Jersey governor, and also misstated part of the name of a magazine for gay people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

While deploring the killing, former commander Major General Julian Thompson has called for leniency.

Independent

Some have spoken out against Mr. Putin and called for leniency in the "punk prayer" case.

The New York Times

The United States, Ethiopia's ally in the war against Islamist terrorism in the Horn of Africa, called for leniency.

The Economist

Although members of the Russian Orthodox Church initially called for leniency in the case, Patriarch Kirill later accused the performers of doing the work of the devil.

The Guardian - Music

His co-defendants, two other royal marines who had been sent to scour a field after an air strike, were acquitted.Newspapers that had campaigned for the marines to be freed, slightly chastened, called for leniency.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "calling for leniency", be specific about the reasons why a more lenient approach is warranted. Provide supporting evidence or context to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on emotional arguments when "calling for leniency". Balance emotional appeals with factual evidence and logical reasoning to make a more persuasive case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calling for leniency" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a sentence to describe the act of advocating or requesting a more lenient or merciful approach. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "calling for leniency" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression utilized to advocate for a more forgiving approach, often in legal or disciplinary contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. While it may not be the most frequently encountered phrase, it is certainly not rare and finds its primary usage within the realm of news and media. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide factual support, avoid relying solely on emotional appeals, and tailor the register to suit the specific context. Alternatives like "requesting clemency" or "pleading for mercy" may offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting clemency

Focuses on the formal act of seeking mercy or pardon.

pleading for mercy

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of asking for compassion.

advocating for a lenient sentence

Highlights the legal context and the type of judgment being sought.

appealing for moderation

Suggests a desire for a more balanced or restrained approach.

urging a compassionate approach

Emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding.

seeking a lighter penalty

Directly refers to the desire for a less severe punishment.

pressing for a reduced charge

Focuses on the legal aspect of reducing the severity of charges.

pushing for a mitigated sentence

Highlights the legal context, mitigated sentence suggests that circumstances can explain the crime.

soliciting lenience

Focuses on actively seeking a more forgiving approach.

begging for forbearance

Emphasizes asking for patience and tolerance.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "calling for leniency" in a sentence?

Use "calling for leniency" when you want to express the act of requesting or advocating for a more lenient treatment or judgment, usually in a legal or disciplinary setting. For example: "The defense attorney is calling for leniency due to the defendant's remorse".

What are some alternatives to "calling for leniency"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting clemency", "pleading for mercy", or "appealing for moderation depending on the context.

What is the difference between "calling for leniency" and "demanding leniency"?

"Calling for leniency" suggests a request or appeal, whereas "demanding leniency" implies a forceful insistence, which may not always be appropriate.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "calling for leniency"?

It is appropriate to use "calling for leniency" in situations where there are mitigating circumstances or reasons to justify a more forgiving approach, such as in legal proceedings, disciplinary hearings, or when discussing ethical dilemmas.