petition for release

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petition for release" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts when someone is formally requesting to be released from a situation, such as imprisonment or a contract. Example: "The defendant filed a petition for release, arguing that new evidence had emerged that could exonerate him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A few weeks later, I learned that the parole board had rejected Omar's petition for release.

The New Yorker

It is not yet clear whether he will again petition for release.

The New York Times

Last year, a federal district court denied Mr. Bihani's petition for release; Tuesday's decision upheld the lower court.

The New York Times

His petition for release, he said, should have been reviewed under standards like those for criminal defendants in the United States.

The New York Times

But the Justice Department appealed the decision, and the Supreme Court ruled in June 2004 that Padilla's petition for release should have been processed in federal court in South Carolina, not New York.

The Washington Post

Judge Ricardo M. Urbina of Federal District Court here granted Mr. Hatim's petition for release in 2009, but said he should remain in detention while the case went through appeal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Just as it argues in the cases brought by detainees at Guantánamo Bay, the Bush administration maintains in these cases that federal courts lack jurisdiction to grant petitions for release filed by civilians in military custody in Iraq.

The New York Times

Back in Portland, the Hammonds' lawyer, Mr. Matasar, said that he and his colleagues had submitted petitions for release — in November 2016 and March 2017 — but did not think they had much of a chance.

The New York Times

It was then released in 13 towns across America, with fans invited to petition for wider release by going to the film's website and hitting a "demand" button.

The Guardian - Film

With just the help of a couple of old friends, on day 36 of Nazanin's captivity, he issued a press release and opened an online petition for her release.

The Guardian

§ 8.19 Petition for expedited release in an administrative forfeiture proceeding.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "petition for release", ensure the context clearly indicates a formal, legal request for freedom, as opposed to a general desire or hope for release.

Common error

Avoid using "petition for release" in informal contexts where a simple request or asking would suffice. This phrase carries a legal connotation and should be reserved for situations involving formal legal or administrative processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petition for release" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., file, submit, grant). It refers to a formal, written request for someone to be freed from confinement, obligation, or contractual agreement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "petition for release" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that signifies a formal request for freedom from custody, obligations, or contracts. According to Ludwig, it is frequently employed in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While alternatives such as "request for release" or "appeal for release" exist, "petition for release" specifically denotes a formal, often legal, application. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context warrants its formal tone and legal connotations. Understanding these nuances, as reinforced by Ludwig's examples, ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request for release

Focuses on the act of asking for freedom, slightly less formal than "petition".

application for release

Highlights the procedural aspect of formally applying for freedom.

appeal for release

Emphasizes a plea, often emotional, for someone's freedom.

motion for release

Specifically refers to a formal legal request made in court.

plea for release

Similar to 'appeal' but often conveys a sense of urgency or desperation.

demand for release

Implies a strong assertion of a right to be freed, more forceful than "petition".

call for release

A public expression urging that someone should be freed.

seek release

General term meaning to try to obtain freedom.

campaign for release

Highlights organized efforts to secure someone's freedom.

fight for release

Conveys the idea of actively struggling to achieve freedom.

FAQs

How is "petition for release" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "petition for release" is used to describe the act of formally requesting to be freed from custody, obligation, or a contract. For example, "The prisoner filed a "petition for release" based on new evidence."

What are some alternatives to "petition for release"?

Alternatives include "request for release", "application for release", or "appeal for release". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "file a petition for release"?

Yes, it is correct. The verb "file" is commonly used with "petition" to indicate the formal submission of the document to the relevant authority.

What's the difference between "petition for release" and "appeal for release"?

"Petition for release" is a general term for a formal request. "Appeal for release" is a specific type of request made to a higher authority, typically after an initial request has been denied.