petitioning for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petitioning for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when formally requesting something, often in a legal or official context. Example: "The citizens are petitioning for a new park to be built in their neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Ravi's supporters have already started petitioning for him.

The New York Times

(This newspaper is one of a score of amici curiae petitioning for review of the verdict).

The Economist

The advocacy group Environment Texas is petitioning for SpaceX to abandon its Brownsville plans.

The New York Times

Once her balance was back to zero, Ms. Brooks continued petitioning for the larger apartment.

The New York Times

In practice, however, Asians petitioning for citizenship simply contended that they were white.

The New Yorker

European law requires people to be physically present in the country they are petitioning for asylum.

The Guardian

The announcement came three days after Jerry Hall revealed she was petitioning for divorce.

The Guardian

Rinse has been petitioning for an FM licence since 2007, organising an international petition.

The Guardian - Music

They dug for more evidence of improprieties, petitioning for access to her official e-mail.

The New York Times

"Though we've been petitioning for years, rather than an improvement the situation has deteriorated.

The Guardian

That's why Google and other companies are petitioning for the right to disclose their participation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "petitioning for", ensure the context involves a formal request or appeal to an authority or organization. This phrase is suitable for situations where a written petition or formal request is being made.

Common error

Avoid using "petitioning for" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "asking for" or "requesting" in those situations to maintain a natural and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petitioning for" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the act of formally requesting something from an authority or organization. Ludwig examples confirm its use in contexts where individuals or groups are making an appeal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "petitioning for" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of formally requesting something, often from an authority. As evidenced by the examples in Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's best suited for scenarios involving a formal appeal, avoiding overuse in casual conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Alternatives such as "requesting", "seeking", and "applying for" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting

Focuses on the act of asking, often more direct than the query.

advocating for

Stresses the act of publicly supporting or recommending something.

seeking

Highlights the pursuit or search for something, which may or may not involve a formal request.

arguing for

Focuses on presenting reasons or evidence to support a particular position.

campaigning for

Suggests an organized effort to achieve a particular goal.

pushing for

Implies a strong and persistent effort to achieve something.

applying for

Implies a formal process of seeking something, often a position or benefit.

pressing for

Highlights the urgency and insistence in making a request.

lobbying for

Involves influencing decision-makers, often in a political context.

appealing for

Emphasizes a plea or urgent request, often in a dire situation.

FAQs

How to use "petitioning for" in a sentence?

"Petitioning for" is used to describe the act of making a formal request to an authority. For example: "The community is petitioning for a new traffic light at the intersection."

What can I say instead of "petitioning for"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting", "seeking", or "applying for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "petitioning for" or "petitioning to"?

"Petitioning for" is the correct usage when you are requesting something. "Petitioning to" is less common and might be used to describe gaining access or permission for something.

What's the difference between "petitioning for" and "advocating for"?

"Petitioning for" usually involves a formal written request, while "advocating for" implies publicly supporting or recommending something, which might not always involve a formal petition.