plea

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'plea' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean an urgent request for help or a supplication for mercy. For example, "The prisoner made a desperate plea for clemency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Referred to in court as D, she entered a not guilty plea to a charge of intimidation last week while wearing a niqab after the judge backed down from a previous decision that she would have to show her face to be properly identified.

The Guardian

Khaled el-Azibi, 18, has also been charged with three counts of sexual assault but has yet to enter a plea.

The Guardian

Tory supporters of equal marriage are making an eleventh hour plea to fellow Conservative MPs to vote in favour of reform by invoking the record of Margaret Thatcher, who supported the legalisation of homosexuality in the 1960s.

The Guardian

Yet Piechowski could not dismiss his friend's plea.

The Guardian

When I speak my mind and receive a howling hurricane of abuse in return, it doesn't feel like a plea for my attention – it feels like a demand for my silence.

The Guardian

It was immediately followed by Tebbit's secret plea for tougher action to bring a swift end to the strike.

The Guardian

Formally entering a guilty plea during the hearing at New York's eastern district court, Blazer told the judge his involvement in the acceptance bribes in connection with the South Africa bid began "in or around 2004 and continuing through 2011".

The Guardian - Sport

Medvedevas, who is Lithuanian, denied murder, but on the third day of his Old Bailey trial he changed his plea to guilty in light of the overwhelming evidence against him.

The Guardian

Mbalula made a plea to the South African media on Wednesday that may well backfire: "Don't be the first to chase us about bribes when we did not bribe … There is sovereignty and patriotism.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes it has become quite impossible to establish where the wall was actually running through … If Wings of Desire was partly a plea for reunification, has the city lived up to it?

The Guardian

The conference opens a day after Pryce was found guilty of perverting the course of justice, following her former husband's earlier guilty plea.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In persuasive writing, use "plea" to evoke a sense of urgency and emotional appeal, but avoid overuse to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "plea" in casual conversations or informal writing where a simple request or suggestion would suffice. Overusing formal terms can make your communication sound unnatural or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The noun "plea" functions primarily as a request or appeal, often with an emotional or urgent tone. It's used to express a need or desire, as shown in Ludwig's examples, ranging from legal contexts to personal requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plea" functions as a noun signifying a request or appeal, frequently infused with urgency or emotion. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency, particularly within news and formal contexts. When using "plea", consider its potential impact and appropriateness, particularly in informal scenarios. While grammatically sound, substituting it with words like "urgent request" or "earnest appeal" could enhance clarity, or nuance and prevent overuse. As shown in Ludwig, the source is authoritative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent request

Emphasizes the immediate need and pressing nature of the request, differing from "plea" which can also imply a sense of supplication.

earnest appeal

Highlights the sincerity and depth of feeling behind the request, adding an emotional dimension not always present in "plea".

fervent entreaty

Conveys a passionate and intense request, suggesting a higher level of emotional investment than a simple "plea".

desperate cry

Implies a sense of hopelessness and urgency, suggesting the situation is critical, unlike "plea" which can be more general.

insistent demand

Highlights the firmness and determination in the request, contrasting with the supplication often associated with "plea".

humble supplication

Emphasizes the submissive and respectful nature of the request, highlighting a sense of deference that "plea" may not always convey.

passionate invocation

Focuses on the emotional and fervent nature of the request, suggesting a strong belief or conviction.

vigorous petition

Stresses the active and forceful nature of the request, often implying a formal or organized effort.

earnest solicitation

Focuses on the act of seeking or asking for something, highlighting the effort made to obtain it.

defense argument

Specifically refers to a legal context, emphasizing the justification or explanation offered in support of a case.

FAQs

How is "plea" used in legal contexts?

In law, "plea" refers to a defendant's formal response to charges in a criminal case, such as a guilty plea or a not guilty plea. It can also refer to an argument presented in court.

What are some synonyms for "plea" that I can use in persuasive writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "urgent request", "earnest appeal", or "fervent entreaty" to convey a similar sense of urgency or emotional appeal.

Is it appropriate to use "plea" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "plea" is often reserved for more formal or serious situations. In casual contexts, using a simpler term like "request" or "appeal" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between a "plea" and a "demand"?

A "plea" is typically a humble or earnest request, often implying a need for help or mercy. A "demand", on the other hand, is a forceful assertion of a right or expectation, leaving little room for negotiation. While both are requests, their tone and context differ significantly.