plead for clemency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plead for clemency" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The defendant's lawyer made an emotional plea to the judge, pleading for clemency on behalf of their client.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There, in the governor's office, I watched him plead for clemency for an inmate.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have said they intend to plead for clemency in their case from the President, Barack Obama.

Independent

The Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, wrote to Widodo at the weekend to again plead for clemency.

The Guardian

The Australian foreign minister, Julie Bishop, used parliament on Wednesday to again plead for clemency for the men.

The Guardian

The French manufacturer will almost certainly plead for clemency from the FIA as they will claim the actions of two men should not affect the employment of nearly 700 other staff within the team.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But we are pleading for clemency".

The New York Times

I'll Show You pleads for clemency.

The Guardian - Music

Many distinguished scientists pleaded for clemency for him.

The Guardian

Even the judge who sentenced her recently pleaded for clemency on her behalf.

The New York Times

One of those jurors, Wardie Parks Jr., pleaded for clemency at the hearing.

The New York Times

Rudi Völler, the Bayer sporting director, pleaded for clemency but knew it was pointless.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plead for clemency" when you want to emphasize a formal and earnest request for mercy or leniency, often in a legal or official context. Ensure the context involves seeking relief from a punishment or severe consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "plead for clemency" in casual conversations. The phrase is formal and best suited for situations involving legal or official requests. In informal settings, opt for simpler alternatives like "ask for forgiveness" or "beg for mercy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plead for clemency" functions as a verb phrase indicating a formal and earnest request for mercy or leniency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in various contexts. It demonstrates a specific act of seeking relief from punishment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plead for clemency" is a grammatically correct and formal expression used to describe an earnest request for mercy or leniency, often in legal or official contexts. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While not exceedingly common, it is frequently found in news and media, Wikipedia, and science-related sources. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for formal situations and consider alternatives like "appeal for mercy" or "beg for leniency" for less formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeal for mercy

Replaces "clemency" with "mercy", focusing on compassion as the basis for the request.

implore for mercy

Similar to "beg", but with a slightly more formal and urgent tone.

beg for leniency

Emphasizes the supplicant's desperation by using "beg" instead of "plead".

request a pardon

Uses the formal term "pardon", implying an official request for forgiveness from a governing body.

make a plea for leniency

Nominalizes the verb "plead", making it a noun phrase.

entreat for lenience

Uses "entreat", suggesting a more earnest and heartfelt request for leniency.

solicit clemency

Replaces "plead" with "solicit", indicating a formal request.

seek exoneration

Shifts the focus to clearing someone of blame rather than just lessening punishment.

petition for grace

Uses "grace" as a synonym for clemency, implying a divine or moral element.

ask for forgiveness

Highlights the aspect of seeking forgiveness for a wrong action.

FAQs

How is "plead for clemency" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "plead for clemency" is used to describe someone making a formal request for mercy or leniency, often in a legal context. For example, "The lawyer made an emotional plea to the judge, pleading for clemency on behalf of their client."

What are some alternatives to "plead for clemency"?

You can use alternatives like "appeal for mercy", "beg for leniency", or "request a pardon" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "plead for clemency"?

The phrase "plead for clemency" is most appropriate in formal settings such as legal proceedings, official appeals, or when addressing a figure of authority who has the power to grant leniency. It suggests a serious and earnest request.

Is "plead for clemency" the same as asking for forgiveness?

While related, they are not exactly the same. Asking for forgiveness focuses on seeking absolution for a wrong action, while "plead for clemency" specifically requests leniency from a punishment or severe consequence. One might "ask for forgiveness" without necessarily pleading for clemency, and vice versa.