plead for

USAGE SUMMARY

"plead for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to mean to strongly and earnestly ask for something. For example, "She pleaded for the court to consider a lesser sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They plead for guns.

The Economist

They plead for admission.

The New York Times - Arts

All plead for their lives.

The New York Times

Epidemiological surveys do not plead for them.

Neuropsychiatrie de l'Enfance et de l'Adolescence

Cost-conscious economists plead for gradualism.

The Economist

"Until they kneel, and plead for it".

Independent

Hostages plead for their lives.

The New York Times

Desperate parents plead for toys for children.

The Washington Post

"I don't have to plead for it.

The Guardian

We had to plead for help.

The Guardian

The president's advisers plead for patience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone you wish to convey. "Plead for" suggests a sense of urgency or desperation, so use it judiciously.

Common error

Avoid using "plead for" in situations where a simple request would suffice. Overusing this phrase can weaken its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for situations involving genuine urgency or desperation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plead for" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express a strong, emotional request or entreaty. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plead for" is a verb phrase used to express a strong and earnest request. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While it can convey urgency and desperation, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding melodramatic. Related phrases such as "beg for", "appeal for", and "implore for" can offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments with different nuances. Understanding these nuances can help writers choose the most appropriate phrase for their specific needs. As evidenced by its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "plead for" remains a relevant and effective expression in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beg for

Emphasizes desperation or humility in the request.

appeal for

Suggests a formal or urgent request, often to a higher authority.

entreat for

Implies a deeply felt and persuasive request.

implore for

Conveys a sense of urgency and emotional intensity.

petition for

Indicates a formal and structured request, typically in writing.

solicit for

Highlights the act of seeking or requesting something, often support or assistance.

request urgently

Focuses on the immediacy and importance of the request.

call for

Emphasizes a public or collective demand for something.

advocate for

Suggests active support and promotion of a cause or idea.

urge the need for

Highlights the importance and necessity of something.

FAQs

What does "plead for" mean?

"Plead for" means to earnestly and desperately ask for something. It implies a strong emotional need or urgency.

How can I use "plead for" in a sentence?

You can use "plead for" when you want to express a strong and emotional request, such as "The refugees "begged for" help from the aid organizations".

What are some alternatives to "plead for"?

Some alternatives to "plead for" include "beg for", "appeal for", "implore for", and "entreat for". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "ask for" and "plead for"?

"Ask for" is a general request, while "plead for" implies a more urgent, emotional, and desperate request. "Plead for" conveys a greater sense of need than "ask for".