make a plea for

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a plea for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to make an earnest or emotional request or appeal for something. Example: The charity organization made a plea for donations to help support their cause. Another example: During his court hearing, the defendant's lawyer made a passionate plea for leniency from the judge.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

I make a plea for her.

The New York Times

They make a plea for social justice.

The New York Times

"I went to see Sir Keith Joseph [then education secretary] to make a plea for clemency.

The Guardian

But I'm going to make a plea for julienning them, either by hand or with a mandoline.

The New York Times - Food

The girl's father, Michael Cardelfe, also appeared at the firehouse to make a plea for his daughter's return.

The New York Times

They also make a plea for not thinking of the policy rate as the only tool of monetary policy, even in more normal times.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Was he making a plea for eugenics?

The New Yorker

Instead, he made a plea for the dull.

The New York Times

Sonya makes a plea for redemption, for hope and understanding.

The New Yorker

In his moving tribute, he made a plea for unity.

The Guardian

Chou made a plea for freedom of atheism.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a plea for", ensure that the object of your plea is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "make a plea for more funding" is more precise than simply "make a plea".

Common error

Avoid excessive emotional language when using "make a plea for". While it's important to convey sincerity, overly dramatic language can weaken your argument and detract from the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a plea for" functions as a performative verb phrase used to perform the act of earnestly requesting or appealing for something. It often introduces a statement of advocacy or a call to action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a plea for" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express an earnest request or appeal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression across a variety of contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts, the phrase serves to persuade, advocate, or seek support for a cause. While alternatives like "appeal for" and "request earnestly" exist, understanding the subtle nuances of "make a plea for" helps ensure clear and impactful communication. Remember to be clear and sincere, avoiding overuse of emotional language to maintain the strength of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeal for

This alternative offers a more concise way to express making a formal request.

request earnestly

Focuses on the sincerity and seriousness of the request.

petition for

Implies a more formal and structured appeal.

call for

Suggests a public demand or encouragement for something.

advocate for

Highlights the act of publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy.

beseech for

Emphasizes a humble and urgent request.

entreat for

Suggests trying to persuade someone through earnest or anxious requests.

urge to

Focuses on strongly advising or persuading someone to do something.

implore for

Conveys a desperate and heartfelt request.

lobby for

This alternative implies influencing a decision-maker, such as a politician, to support a cause.

FAQs

How can I use "make a plea for" in a sentence?

You can use "make a plea for" to express an earnest request. For example, "The organization will "make a plea for" donations to support its cause".

What are some alternatives to "make a plea for"?

Alternatives include "appeal for", "request earnestly", or "petition for", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "make a plea for"?

It is appropriate to use "make a plea for" when you want to express a sincere and often emotional request, especially when advocating for a cause or seeking help.

What is the difference between "make a plea for" and "demand"?

"Make a plea for" implies a humble and earnest request, while "demand" suggests a forceful and assertive expectation. The choice depends on the desired tone and the relationship with the recipient.