plead ignorance

USAGE SUMMARY

"plead ignorance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the act of claiming to be unaware of or not responsible for something, often used in the context of a trial. For example, "In his defense, he pleaded ignorance on the matter, claiming that he had no knowledge of the incident".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Russian President was not merely pleading ignorance as one would plead ignorance of, say, a conspiracy to commit a crime.

The New Yorker

They can plead ignorance.

The New Yorker

Ministers cannot plead ignorance.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I have to plead ignorance.

The Guardian - Music

The government cannot plead ignorance.

The Guardian - Opinion

The agency cannot plead ignorance.

The New York Times

They no doubt would plead ignorance.

The New York Times - Sports

"You can't plead ignorance; it didn't roll.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm going to have to plead ignorance".

The New York Times

How in the world can he plead ignorance.

The New York Times

Talk to locals, however, and they plead ignorance.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plead ignorance" when you want to convey that someone is claiming they did not know something, often to avoid blame or responsibility. Ensure the context implies a claim, not necessarily genuine ignorance.

Common error

Avoid using "plead ignorance" when genuine lack of knowledge is evident. The phrase implies a deliberate attempt to avoid responsibility, so ensure the situation warrants this connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plead ignorance" functions as a verb phrase, often used in legal or quasi-legal contexts to describe someone claiming a lack of knowledge about something, usually to avoid responsibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it refers to claiming to be unaware.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plead ignorance" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of claiming a lack of knowledge, often as a means of avoiding responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and meaning. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in formal and business settings. While it can be used in various situations, it is important to consider the connotation of evading accountability. Alternatives like "claim unawareness" or "feign ignorance" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure that the context implies a deliberate attempt to avoid responsibility rather than genuine ignorance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assert lack of knowledge

Directly states the act of declaring one's absence of information.

claim unawareness

Focuses on asserting a lack of knowledge or consciousness of something.

disclaim knowledge

Formally refuse to acknowledge having information about something.

maintain unawareness

Suggests a continuous declaration of not knowing something.

profess innocence

Emphasizes the declaration of not being guilty or responsible.

feign ignorance

Highlights the act of pretending to be unaware, possibly to avoid responsibility.

declare nescience

A more formal way to state a lack of knowledge.

plead innocence

Focuses on declaring oneself not guilty of a crime.

claim non-involvement

Emphasizes the assertion of not being part of an event or situation.

disavow responsibility

Refers to denying any accountability for an action or event.

FAQs

How to use "plead ignorance" in a sentence?

You can use "plead ignorance" to describe someone claiming they don't know about something, often to avoid responsibility. For example, "He tried to plead ignorance, but the evidence was overwhelming."

What can I say instead of "plead ignorance"?

You can use alternatives like "claim unawareness", "feign ignorance", or "assert lack of knowledge" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "plead ignorance" or "profess ignorance"?

"Plead ignorance" and "profess ignorance" are both correct, but "plead ignorance" is more common. "Plead" often implies a formal setting like a court, while "profess" suggests a more general declaration.

What's the difference between "plead ignorance" and "deny knowledge"?

"Plead ignorance" specifically suggests claiming a lack of knowledge as a defense or excuse, while "deny knowledge" is a broader term that simply means stating one does not possess certain information. Using "deny knowledge" doesn't necessarily imply an attempt to evade responsibility.