imploring

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "imploring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong, earnest request or plea for something. Example: "She looked at him with imploring eyes, hoping he would understand her situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Elizabeth Warren on the presidency: Fifty shades of nay Warren, a senator for Massachusetts, is refusing to enter the race, to the frustration of liberal Democrats who have been imploring her to run.

The Guardian

Whoever Mario Lanza was imploring to Come Back to Sorrento, I only hope they made straight for the Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.

The Guardian - Travel

According to Beatty, the 21-year-old was imploring others to remain peaceful and return home when he was "snatched" off the street.

The Guardian

The Greek television channel, citing a senior German official, described the US treasury secretary, Jack Lew, imploring his German counterpart Wolfgang Schäuble to "support Greece" only to be told: "Give €50bn euro yourself to save Greece".

The Guardian

People are tarnishing the memory of Duggan by committing atrocities in his name, despite his family members repeatedly imploring them to stop.

The Guardian - Opinion

Girls make up more than 90% of performing arts students – yet when was the last time you heard a politician imploring teachers to tell boys they can dance "just as well as the girls"?

The Guardian

The left is imploring the public to consider the underlying causes of the riots.

The New York Times

Mr Obama has responded by imploring congressional Republicans to "Stop being mad all the time.

The Economist

A former MP, he was evicted from Labour in 2003 for imploring British soldiers to defy orders.In this section Spies, lies and the internet The year of many votes Dressing up Tall storeys Back to the future Small change Riding the data wave David Cameron is not too posh ReprintsThe 10,000-vote margin by which Mr Galloway won suggests that there was little Mr Miliband could have done.

The Economist

In a pleasing role-reversal, congressmen have been imploring journalists for information.

The Economist

Similarly ignored was a letter smuggled from a jailed opposition activist, Dr Wenceslao Mansogo, in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, imploring UNESCO not to endow the prize but instead to demand that Mr Nguema release political prisoners.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imploring" when you want to convey a sense of urgency, desperation, or deep sincerity in a request. It suggests more than just asking; it suggests begging or pleading.

Common error

Avoid using "imploring" in situations where a simple request is sufficient. It can sound overly dramatic or insincere if the context doesn't warrant such a strong emotional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "imploring" is that of a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "He was imploring") or as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "imploring eyes"). Ludwig confirms its usage in various contexts, showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imploring" functions as a present participle to express a strong and earnest request, often suggesting desperation or urgency. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it is very common in news and media, with neutral formality. When using "imploring", ensure the context warrants its strong emotional tone. Consider alternatives like "begging" or "pleading" for simpler contexts. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility in conveying intense appeals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begging

Simple synonym replacing "imploring" with a slightly more direct term.

pleading

Similar to "begging", but often implies a more emotional appeal.

earnestly requesting

More formal and emphasizes the sincerity of the request.

fervently asking

Highlights the intensity and passion behind the request.

urgently appealing

Suggests a time-sensitive or critical nature to the request.

entreating

A more formal and somewhat archaic synonym for "imploring".

beseeching

Similar to "entreating", carrying a sense of humility or deference.

supplicating

Implies a posture of submission or reverence in the request.

earnestly petitioning

A formal alternative, especially appropriate in legal or official contexts.

desperately seeking

Emphasizes the urgency and potential dire consequences if the request is not met.

FAQs

How can I use "imploring" in a sentence?

"Imploring" is often used as a present participle. For example, "She was "imploring" him to stay" indicates a desperate request.

What words are similar to "imploring"?

Alternatives to "imploring" include "begging", "pleading", and "entreating", each carrying slightly different nuances of desperation and sincerity.

When is it appropriate to use "imploring"?

Use "imploring" when a character or speaker is making a desperate or highly emotional request, suggesting a sense of urgency or profound need.

Is "imploring" more formal or informal?

"Imploring" is generally considered more formal than everyday terms like "asking" but not as archaic as alternatives like "beseeching". Its formality depends on the overall context.