petitions for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petitions for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts when someone is formally requesting something, often in a legal setting. Example: "The organization petitions for a review of the recent policy changes that affect their operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

§ 30.10 Petitions for exemption.

Cornell University

Gandhi starts petitions for greater rights.

The New York Times

I'd signed petitions for Greenpeace.

The New York Times - Magazine

§ 2.249 Petitions for amendment: Appeals.

Cornell University

Petitions for rehearing are very seldom granted.

The New York Times

§ 2.250 Petitions for amendment: Action on appeals.

Cornell University

§ 2.246 Petitions for amendment: Submission and form.

Cornell University

The petitions for rehearing are denied.

Cornell University

§ 851.6 Petitions for generally applicable rulemaking.

Cornell University

It has rejected all petitions for new political parties.

The New York Times

CHAPTER 11 -- A business or individual debtor petitions for reorganization.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about collective action, "petitions for" highlights the structured attempt to influence decisions from authorities.

Common error

Avoid using "petitions for" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase implies formality, so using it in a relaxed context can sound unnatural or overly formal. Use more casual alternatives like "requests", "asks", or "appeals" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "petitions for" is to act as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating the object or purpose of the petition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used. The examples demonstrate its role in specifying what is being formally requested.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "petitions for" is a prepositional phrase used to express formal requests, often in academic, legal, or official settings. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its formality distinguishes it from simpler alternatives like "requests for". It's most frequently encountered in "News & Media" and "Academia", making it a common expression for structured appeals. When using "petitions for", ensure the context warrants a formal tone and clearly state the object of the petition. By considering these nuances, you can employ the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal requests for

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

applications for

Replaces "petitions" with "applications", emphasizing the formal process of applying.

requests for

Substitutes "petitions" with "requests", offering a more general term for asking.

appeals for

Uses "appeals" instead of "petitions", implying a more formal or legal challenge.

submissions for

Replaces "petitions" with "submissions", highlighting the act of formally presenting something.

bids for

Replaces "petitions" with "bids", suggesting a competitive request.

claims for

Replaces "petitions" with "claims", emphasizing a right or entitlement being requested.

pleas for

Substitutes "petitions" with "pleas", implying a more urgent or emotional request.

nominations for

Substitutes "petitions" with "nominations", focusing on the act of suggesting someone for an award or position.

demands for

Uses "demands" instead of "petitions", suggesting a more forceful request.

FAQs

How to use "petitions for" in a sentence?

The phrase "petitions for" is used to describe the act of formally requesting something. For example, "The activists launched "petitions for" environmental protection" or "The lawyers filed "petitions for" a judicial review".

What can I say instead of "petitions for"?

You can use alternatives like "requests for", "applications for", or "appeals for", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "petitions for"?

It's appropriate to use "petitions for" in formal contexts, such as legal documents, academic writing, or official correspondence, where a formal request is being made.

What's the difference between "petitions for" and "requests for"?

While both phrases involve asking for something, "petitions for" carries a stronger sense of formality and often implies a structured or official process. "Requests for" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.