petition for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petition for" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the act of formally requesting or asking for something in a written document, usually aimed at a higher authority or governing body. Example: She decided to petition for better public transportation in her city by collecting signatures from residents and submitting a formal petition to the city council.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a petition for peace".

The Economist

His petition for readmission was rejected.

The New Yorker

•     Petition for high-speed fibre-optic broadband to this postcode.

The New Yorker

Legal residents can't petition for their married children.

The New York Times - Magazine

The housekeeping workers submitted their own petition for her.

The New York Times

Another takes around a petition for light wines and beer.

The New Yorker

They would also require Cuba to petition for membership.

The New York Times

He said a petition for Supreme Court review was likely.

The New York Times

The tribe filed a petition for federal recognition in 1978.

The New York Times

His father's family petition for him was approved in 1995.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps we should start a petition for that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure your "petition for" is addressed to the appropriate authority or body to increase its chances of being considered.

Common error

Avoid making broad, unsupported statements in your "petition for". Always provide specific details and evidence to back up your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petition for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of formally requesting something, often in written form. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Examples show it used across diverse contexts from legal matters to public advocacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "petition for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that denotes the act of making a formal request or appeal. As Ludwig AI states, it is frequently employed in diverse contexts, including news reports, legal documents, and public advocacy. The phrase exhibits a neutral to formal tone, fitting situations where structured and documented appeals are necessary. To enhance your writing, ensure your "petition for" is clear, well-supported, and addressed to the appropriate authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal request for

Adds "formal" to emphasize the official nature of the request.

written appeal for

Specifies that the appeal is in written form, similar to a petition.

appeal for

Replaces "petition" with "appeal", suggesting a more emotional or urgent request.

request for

Uses "request" instead of "petition", indicating a less formal application.

application for

Substitutes "petition" with "application", implying a structured and documented submission.

plea for

Replaces "petition" with "plea", suggesting a humble or earnest entreaty.

motion for

Employs "motion" instead of "petition", indicating a formal proposal in a legal or procedural setting.

submission for

Uses "submission" instead of "petition", focusing on the act of presenting something for consideration.

application seeking

Restructures the phrase to emphasize the intention behind the application.

demand for

Implies a strong assertion of rights or needs, replacing the softer connotation of "petition".

FAQs

How do I use "petition for" in a sentence?

Use "petition for" when you want to describe the act of making a formal written request. For example, "The residents decided to "petition for" a new traffic light at the intersection".

What are some alternatives to "petition for"?

Alternatives to "petition for" include "appeal for", "request for", or "apply for", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to "petition for" or "request for" something?

Both "petition for" and "request for" are correct, but "petition for" implies a more formal, often written, appeal. "Request for" is generally less formal and can be used in a broader range of situations.

What's the difference between a "petition for" and a "plea for"?

A "petition for" is typically a structured, written appeal. A "plea for", on the other hand, is a more emotional and urgent request, often implying a desperate need or situation.