passionate appeal

USAGE SUMMARY

'passionate appeal' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to an attempt to sway opinion or decision by urging someone strongly and emotionally. For example: The defendant's lawyer made a passionate appeal to the jury, reminding them that their decision was a matter of life and death.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Buñuel called cinema "a desperate and passionate appeal to murder".

Independent

Are you mentally replaying President Obama's passionate appeal for gun control?

The New Yorker

Their passionate appeal to end harsh interrogations "made an extraordinary impression on me," he said.

The New York Times

Once again it has the passionate appeal of their love story and is infused with humanity, self-perception and honesty.

The Guardian - Books

Von Weizsäcker ended with a passionate appeal to young Germans to show tolerance and face the historical truth.

The Guardian

In 1861 62 revolutionary leaflets were distributed in St . Petersburg ranging from the demand for a constituent assembly to a passionate appeal for insurrection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"This is a tough one," said Valerie Price Ervin, the council's secretary, who acknowledged receiving passionate appeals from both sides.

The New York Times

Their vision tends to be directed inward, their passionate appeals aimed at those already inclined to think like them.

The Washington Post

Starting in 2009, the group used its Internet magazine and intermittent videos to make increasingly passionate appeals to the people of Yemen - and especially to its tribes.

The New York Times - Magazine

If some colleagues, male or female, don't respond to passionate appeals, they may respond more favorably to a different tactic.

Harvard Business Review

After passionate appeals from both sides of the debate, clergy members and lay people voted 227 to 82 to "realign" the conservative diocese.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passionate appeal" when you want to emphasize the emotional intensity and sincerity behind a request or argument. It's effective for conveying deep conviction and moving others to action.

Common error

Avoid using "passionate appeal" excessively, as it can diminish the impact of your message. Balance emotional expression with logical reasoning to maintain credibility and avoid appearing overly sentimental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passionate appeal" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of communication, namely, an earnest and emotional request or argument aimed at persuading an audience. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passionate appeal" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a deeply felt and persuasive request or argument. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys sincerity and emotional intensity, often prompting action or change in perspective. While suitable for various contexts, including news and formal settings, it's essential to avoid overuse to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "fervent plea" or "impassioned plea" can offer subtle shifts in tone. When employing this phrase, balancing emotion with logic ensures a powerful and persuasive message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fervent plea

Replaces "appeal" with "plea", emphasizing a humble request made with deep feeling; "fervent" maintains the intensity.

impassioned plea

"Impassioned" is used instead of "passionate", stressing deep emotion; "plea" replaces "appeal" for a more earnest nuance.

ardent request

"Ardent" and "request" replace "passionate" and "appeal", indicating enthusiasm and a formal asking.

zealous entreaty

Uses "zealous" and "entreaty" for a more intense and pleading tone.

earnest supplication

"Earnest" and "supplication" suggest sincerity and humility in the request.

vigorous advocacy

"Vigorous advocacy" highlights strength and active support, changing the nuance to active promotion.

emotional argument

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the argument, focusing on persuasion through feelings.

forceful urging

"Forceful urging" suggests a compelling and insistent request.

heartfelt invocation

Replaces "appeal" with "invocation", giving a deeper, almost spiritual nuance.

intense exhortation

"Intense exhortation" shifts the meaning towards a strong encouragement or urging.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "passionate appeal" in a sentence?

To use "passionate appeal" effectively, ensure it aligns with the context and purpose of your message. For instance, "The activist made a "passionate appeal" for climate action, urging immediate change" demonstrates a clear and impactful use.

What phrases are similar to "passionate appeal"?

Alternatives to "passionate appeal" include "fervent plea", "impassioned plea", or "ardent request", each subtly altering the emotional tone.

Is "passionate appeal" formal or informal?

"Passionate appeal" is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal speeches to news articles. However, in highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "vigorous advocacy" for a more objective tone.

What's the difference between "emotional appeal" and "passionate appeal"?

While both phrases relate to invoking feelings, "passionate appeal" suggests a stronger, more heartfelt expression than a general "emotional argument". The former often implies a deep personal commitment.