petitions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petitions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to formal requests or appeals made to an authority, often in a legal or governmental context. Example: "The citizens submitted several petitions to the local government, urging them to address the issue of traffic congestion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Protests, petitions, two call-ins of the plans by supportive councillors to the Overview and Scrutiny committee, a new (yet still flawed) consultation process in recognition of the initial inadequate attempt, and much publicity.

The Guardian - Books

This year my family has decided to avoid the usual online petitions and donations of gold coins that disappear into the purses of NGOs.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that's me, so what the hell: when the original Thatcherites were going about their work you could not move for benefit concerts, petitions handed in to Number 10 by star-studded entourages and interviews full of real ire.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We will not accept anyone except Sisi," said Refaei Nasrallah, the head of one several groups gathering petitions calling on Sisi to run.

The Guardian

Amnesty issues this information, called an "urgent action", to encourage people around the world to send letters and emails to government leaders with the power to intervene, or to sign petitions calling for change.

The Guardian

The social networking site carries numerous online petitions for and against the erection of a statue of him outside the presidential palace, as well as 500 Pinochet-themed opinion groups with titles varying from "General Pinochet burn in hell!" to "I loved Pinochet and I don't care what stupid communists say".

The Guardian

Their organizing efforts span from the expected – standing on the streets, handing out petitions and flyers – to the unusual, such as 'occupying' their workplace to keep it from closing.

The Guardian - Business

Many observers viewed a wave of human rights petitions in 2003-05 as the new Riyadh spring that would lead to Saudi Arabia becoming a state of institutions rather than of princes.

The Guardian

"It's not that we mind hearing from our citizens, but these internet petitions... while I respect that someone who lives in New York City really really likes Uber, they're not my constituents," Parker said.

The Guardian

She later jokingly tweeted: "There appear to be a number of conflicting petitions out there to have me hung and quartered.

The Guardian

He was a remarkably determined individual and continued his campaign in letters, pamphlets, petitions and lectures.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "petitions", ensure the context clearly indicates a formal request or appeal made to an authority. Provide specific details about the content and purpose of the "petitions" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "petitions" in informal contexts where a simple request would suffice. Reserve it for situations involving official channels and documented submissions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "petitions" is as a noun, referring to formal written requests typically signed by multiple people and addressed to an authority. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "petitions" refers to formal written requests or appeals, commonly used in legal, governmental, and organizational contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, formal business, and scientific domains. When using "petitions", ensure that the context is appropriate for a formal request, and provide specific details for clarity. Related phrases include "formal requests" and "written appeals". Remember that it is more formal than a simple request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal requests

Focuses on the formality and structured nature of the requests.

written appeals

Highlights the act of appealing in written form, emphasizing the persuasive aspect.

official submissions

Emphasizes the official and formal nature of the documents being submitted.

formal applications

Highlights the application aspect, focusing on seeking something officially.

signed declarations

Focuses on the act of formally declaring something with signatures.

public appeals

Emphasizes that the appeal is made to the public.

legal pleas

Focuses on legal context and the urgent, pleading nature.

collective demands

Highlights that the demand is made by a group.

group requests

Emphasizes that the request is from a group.

popular appeals

Highlights the widespread nature of the appeal.

FAQs

How to use "petitions" in a sentence?

"Petitions" are formal requests or appeals, often written and signed by many people. For example, "The citizens submitted several petitions to the government."

What can I say instead of "petitions"?

You can use alternatives like "formal requests", "written appeals", or "official submissions" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "petitions" or "requests"?

"Petitions" are a specific type of request, typically more formal and often involving multiple signatories. "Requests" is a broader term encompassing various types of asking.

What's the difference between "petitions" and "appeals"?

"Petitions" are generally initial requests, while "appeals" are made after an initial decision has been rendered and one is seeking a review or reversal.