calls for leniency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calls 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 to a situation, often in legal or disciplinary matters. Example: "The defense attorney argued that the circumstances of the case call for leniency in sentencing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Patriarch Kirill appeared annoyed by calls for leniency.

The Guardian

Many here, amid widespread calls for leniency before the sentencing, were shocked at the severity of the sentences handed down by Judge Jerry W. Baxter, who had seemed to indicate on Monday that he wanted to avoid prison terms.

The New York Times

(Though she may draw comfort from the Daily Mail's readers: reacting against the newspaper's line, they seem to agree that the only good heroin dealer is a dead one).China of course always bristles at outside interference, which this time included calls for leniency for Mr Shaikh.

The Economist

A Chinese street vendor convicted of killing two city officials has been executed despite calls for leniency, disappointing legal activists and many members of the public who say the country's justice system fails to protect the underprivileged and punishes them too harshly.

The Guardian

The State Attorney General, Eliot L. Spitzer, said yesterday that the investigation resulting from Mr. Friedman's theft was not over, and that his office had been unmoved by calls for leniency from supporters of Mr. Friedman, who is viewed as a philanthropist in Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish communities.

The New York Times

Euro zone partners have offered adjustments but no radical rewrite of the bailout conditions, with paymaster Germany particularly resistant to Greek calls for leniency.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 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

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

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

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Alternatives like "pleas for mercy" or "demands for leniency" can subtly shift the tone of your writing.

Common error

While "calls for leniency" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or legal writing might benefit from more precise or technical phrasing. Consider alternatives like "recommendations for a reduced sentence" or "arguments for mitigation" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calls for leniency" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "calls for leniency" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where individuals or groups advocate for a more merciful or forgiving approach. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media reporting. While alternatives like "pleas for mercy" or "appeals for clemency" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, clarity regarding who is making the call and for whom the leniency is requested is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeals for clemency

Replaces "leniency" with "clemency", emphasizing a plea for mercy or forgiveness.

requests for leniency

Substitutes "calls" with "requests", focusing on the act of asking for leniency.

pleas for mercy

Replaces both "calls" and "leniency" with "pleas" and "mercy", highlighting the emotional aspect of the appeal.

advocates for leniency

Changes "calls" to "advocates", focusing on the act of publicly supporting leniency.

demands for leniency

Emphasizes a stronger, more assertive request for leniency.

urges for leniency

Replaces "calls" with "urges", suggesting a strong encouragement for leniency.

seeks leniency

Focuses on the act of attempting to obtain leniency.

begs for leniency

Implies a desperate appeal for leniency.

promotes leniency

Highlights efforts to advance leniency as a policy or practice.

supports leniency

Indicates backing or approval of leniency in a particular case or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "calls for leniency" in a sentence?

You can use "calls for leniency" to describe situations where individuals or groups are advocating for a more forgiving approach, often in legal or disciplinary contexts. For example, "Following the trial, there were numerous "calls for leniency" given the defendant's age and lack of prior criminal record."

What are some alternatives to "calls for leniency"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, alternatives include "appeals for clemency", "pleas for mercy", or "advocates for leniency".

Is "calls for leniency" formal or informal?

"Calls for leniency" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts, including news reporting and formal discussions. However, in highly technical or legal writing, more precise phrasing may be preferred.

What does it mean when there are "calls for leniency"?

When there are "calls for leniency", it means that some people are publicly expressing their desire for a more merciful or forgiving approach to a situation, often involving punishment or consequences for wrongdoing.