petition

USAGE SUMMARY

'petition' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a formal document that requests something from someone in a position of authority. For example, "A group of parents have started a petition to get more funding for the school library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Referring to a petition signed by more than 33,000 people, Bahreini added: "Thousands of people from around the world want to see Atena Farghadani and other prisoners of conscience released.

The Guardian

If you want to back their cause you can sign and share their petition, help them to gather public statements of support, like them on Facebook or follow the @hetMaagdenhuis or @RethinkUvA accounts on Twitter.

The Guardian

In Wales students and student unions this year submitted a petition to the Welsh Assembly calling for a consultation of the private rented sector.

The Guardian

An election petition will be launched by citizens in Bradford to do that".

The Guardian

Under the complex rules of devolution if two parties or more issue a "petition of concern" it can veto any proposed legislation as it would not have cross community support.

The Guardian

But Sinn Féin and the SDLP exercised a veto known as the "petition of concern" where bills can be defeated if one side of the sectarian/political divide claims there is insufficient cross-community support for the law.

The Guardian

Labor has ridiculed moves by some Coalition MPs, including frontbencher Christopher Pyne, to petition the ABC to stop cuts in their electorates.

The Guardian

They enlisted the support of Russell Brand, who lives nearby, and organised hundreds of residents and other supporters to march on Westbrook's UK offices in Berkeley Square last month to deliver a 300,000 signature petition to David Cameron, calling on him to save their homes.

The Guardian

The extent of Farage's ambitions came to light as Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg faced a serious backlash from party malcontents, including at least two parliamentary candidates and several prominent councillors, as activists gathered names on a petition demanding he be replaced immediately by a new leader.

The Guardian

Ahead of the European election results – which could see the Lib Dems wiped out in Brussels – organisers of a rebel petition said two MPs were expected to sign in the next few days, and that more could follow.

The Guardian

It was vetoed jointly by Sinn Féin and the nationalist SDLP which deployed a "petition of concern" under which bills can be defeated if one side of the sectarian/political divide claims there is insufficient cross-community support for a law.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Include specific data and verifiable facts to support the claims made in the "petition".

Common error

Avoid using overly emotional or inflammatory language in a "petition". Focus on presenting factual arguments and reasoned requests to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "petition" is that of a noun, referring to a formal written request. It can also function as a verb, meaning to formally request something. Ludwig showcases examples where "petition" is used in both these ways.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "petition" functions primarily as a noun or verb, signifying a formal request to an authority. Ludwig highlights its prevalent use in news and media, often concerning political and social matters. The word maintains a neutral to formal tone, and alternatives such as "formal request" or "written appeal" can be used depending on the context. The word is considered correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal request

Focuses on the official nature of the request.

written appeal

Highlights the written format and the act of appealing.

official application

Emphasizes the application aspect within a formal context.

plead for

Focuses on the act of begging or imploring, carrying a sense of urgency.

make a plea

Similar to 'plead for', but emphasizes the act of making the plea.

lodge a claim

Highlights the act of formally lodging a claim or demand.

submit a proposal

Focuses on the submission of a formal proposal.

file a suit

Specifically refers to initiating a legal action.

seek redress

Emphasizes the desire to correct a wrong or grievance.

call for action

A broader term indicating a demand for something to be done.

FAQs

How to use "petition" in a sentence?

You can use "petition" as a noun to refer to a formal written request, such as, "The residents signed a "petition" asking for traffic lights." It can also be used as a verb, meaning to make a formal request, as in, "They plan to "petition" the government for funding.".

What are some synonyms for "petition"?

Alternatives to "petition" include "formal request", "written appeal", or "official application". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "petition" or "make a demand"?

"Petition" implies a formal and respectful request, while "make a demand" suggests a more assertive or forceful approach. Use "petition" when seeking cooperation or consideration, and "make a demand" when asserting a right or expectation.

What is the legal meaning of "petition"?

In a legal context, "petition" refers to a formal written application to a court requesting a specific action or order. It is a key document in initiating legal proceedings, similar to filing a complaint or motion.