file a petition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "file a petition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a formal request for relief or redress from a court or other official body. For example, "The couple filed a petition with the court to try to get custody of their child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

file a petition for appeal.

Cornell University

Thus the urgency to file a petition.

The New York Times

§ 42.402 Who may file a petition for a derivation proceeding.

Cornell University

Two other ministers who were detained did not file a petition and remain in jail.

The New York Times

We understand they want to file a petition and we support that".

The Guardian

The police have until Tuesday to file a petition for review.

The Guardian

His withdrawal forced him to file a petition to gain a spot in next month's nationals.

The New York Times

To do that, they need to file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board.

The Washington Post

You'll then have 90 days to file a petition with the United States Tax Court.

The New York Times

They are also your first stop if you wish to file a petition.

University of California, Berkeley

When parties are dissatisfied with a panel decision, they can file a petition for rehearing and bond (ph).

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "file a petition", ensure you specify the body or institution to which the petition is being filed for clarity, for example, "file a petition with the court".

Common error

Avoid delays by ensuring all necessary documents and information are included when you "file a petition". Missing information can lead to rejection or delays in processing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "file a petition" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of formally submitting a request to an authority. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is perfectly correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

21%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "file a petition" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of formally submitting a request to an authority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in writing. It's frequently used in news and media, academia, and legal contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to specify the entity to which the petition is being filed. Remember to include all necessary documentation to avoid delays. Alternatives include "submit a request" and "lodge a complaint", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submit a request

Replaces "file" with "submit" and "petition" with "request", simplifying the language.

lodge a complaint

Uses "lodge" instead of "file" and "complaint" instead of "petition", indicating a formal grievance.

present an application

Replaces "file" with "present" and "petition" with "application", suggesting a formal application process.

initiate proceedings

Uses a more formal and legalistic tone, referring to the start of a legal process.

make an appeal

Specifically refers to appealing a decision, which is one context of filing a petition.

enter a claim

Implies submitting a formal claim, often for compensation or rights.

put forward a motion

Suggests a formal proposal or request, especially in a legal or parliamentary context.

table a resolution

Refers to formally presenting a resolution for consideration, often in a legislative setting.

hand in an appeal

Informal alternative using "hand in" to mean submit and "appeal" for petition, suggesting a less formal process.

send in a claim

Informal alternative using "send in" to mean submit and "claim" for petition.

FAQs

What's the meaning of the phrase "file a petition"?

The phrase "file a petition" means to formally submit a request to an authority, such as a court or government agency, seeking a specific action or decision.

What can I say instead of "file a petition"?

You can use alternatives like "submit a request", "lodge a complaint", or "present an application" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to hire a lawyer to file a petition?

While not always legally required, hiring a lawyer to "file a petition" is often advisable, especially in complex legal matters, as they can provide expertise and ensure proper procedure.

Where can I file a petition?

The location to "file a petition" depends on the nature of the petition. It could be filed with a local court, a government agency, or another relevant authority.