plead the case for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plead the case for" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when advocating or arguing in favor of a particular position or idea. Example: "She decided to plead the case for environmental protection at the conference." Alternative expressions include "advocate for" and "make a case for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A journey ensues in which he must find someone who'll advocate for him before God and plead the case for his existence.

The Guardian

POPE JOHN PAUL II risked a lot to go to Kazakhstan this week, not least his health at age 81, to plead the case for peace.

The New York Times

Perhaps, on the contrary, Barclays has already made an approach to him, and they will go off together to Downing Street to plead the case for consolidation?

The Guardian - Business

The bosses of America's big three carmakers will appear before Congress tomorrow to plead the case for a $25bn£17bnbn) government aid package for the industry.

The Guardian - Business

Dogs aren't the Uncle Toms of the animal world, I thought as dawn came; they're the dignified dual citizens who plead the case for all of mute creation with their human owners.

The New Yorker

She visits Father Raymond to plead the case for her brother and his lover ("Why can't you just give them what they want?") and falls head over heels for him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Ghostly is very much an artefact: it pleads the case for the book as object, not digital ephemera.

The Guardian - Books

Leila Ben Debba, another lawyer pleading the case for the defence, argued "What these women did may not have been acceptable but it was courageous".

Independent

[C5.] Drumming Up Support for a Merger In a performance by turns spirited, combative and reflective, Carleton S. Fiorina pleaded the case for Hewlett-Packard's planned acquisition of Compaq Computer on Wall Street.

The New York Times

Aghdashloo narrates the film as Soraya's aunt, and explicitly pleads the case for curiosity from abroad when, unable to communicate all she has seen, she tells Sahebjam: "I want you to take my voice with you".

The Guardian - Film

Conservatives seem to have found Mrs. Heinz Kerry a welcome distraction from the apostasy of Ron Reagan, who defied his father's followers and at the convention pleaded the case for embryonic stem cell research.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plead the case for", ensure the context involves a formal or persuasive argument. Consider the audience and tailor your language to effectively advocate for your position. For instance, "The lawyer will plead the case for his client's innocence before the jury."

Common error

Avoid using "plead the case for" in contexts that require neutral presentation of facts. The phrase implies a degree of advocacy or emotional appeal, making it unsuitable for purely objective reporting or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plead the case for" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of strongly advocating or arguing in favor of something. It often implies an appeal to persuade or convince someone of a particular viewpoint. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatical and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plead the case for" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies the act of strongly advocating or arguing for a particular position. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While it implies a persuasive effort, writers should be mindful of its nuance and consider alternative phrases such as "argue in favor of" or "advocate on behalf of" when a more neutral tone is required. Understanding the contexts and potential misinterpretations will enable you to apply the phrase most effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

argue in favor of

Focuses on presenting arguments to support a particular viewpoint or cause. It shifts the emphasis from pleading to a more reasoned debate.

advocate on behalf of

Highlights the act of supporting or defending someone or something, often in a more formal or official capacity. It emphasizes representation.

make a plea for

Emphasizes the act of making an emotional or urgent request. It retains the 'pleading' aspect but broadens the context.

champion the cause of

Implies strong support and active promotion of a particular cause or belief. It suggests a proactive and passionate approach.

lobby for

Suggests attempting to influence decisions made by officials in a government. It focuses on persuading decision-makers.

defend the merits of

Focuses on highlighting the positive qualities or advantages of something. It emphasizes justification and validation.

present a justification for

Focuses on providing reasons or explanations to support a particular action or decision. It emphasizes rationale.

promote the interests of

Highlights the act of advancing or supporting the well-being or advantages of someone or something. It emphasizes benefits and gains.

support the position of

Highlights aligning and defending a particular stance or viewpoint. It emphasizes agreement and backing.

endorse the agenda of

Implies a formal approval or support for a set of plans or goals. It emphasizes official backing.

FAQs

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

Use "plead the case for" when you want to express the act of strongly advocating or arguing in favor of something. For example: "The activists will plead the case for environmental conservation at the upcoming conference."

What can I say instead of "plead the case for"?

You can use alternatives like "argue in favor of", "advocate on behalf of", or "make a plea for" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "plead the case for"?

It's appropriate when you're describing a situation where someone is actively and persuasively arguing for a particular position or cause. The phrase implies a certain level of urgency and conviction.

What's the difference between "plead the case for" and "argue the case for"?

"Plead the case for" suggests a more emotional or urgent appeal, while "argue the case for" implies a more reasoned and logical presentation of arguments.