pleaded

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'pleaded' is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually implies a desperate or earnest request or appeal. You can use it in situations when someone is asking for something or trying to make an argument. Example sentence: "The child's mother pleaded with the court to show leniency in her son's case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He pleaded not guilty.

The New York Times - Food

Montgomery, who pleaded guilty in 2012, faces life in prison on a hate crime charge and five years on conspiracy.

The Guardian

Shelbie Brooke Richards, who pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy and concealing the crime by lying to police, faces eight years in prison at sentencing on 16 April.

The Guardian

Neither will Ben Bernanke, the current chairman of the Fed, whose term ends in January and who earlier pleaded a dubious "scheduling conflict".

The Guardian - Opinion

The German chancellor, who pleaded with Britain in a speech to a joint session of parliament on Thursday to remain a "strong voice" within the EU, declared in Downing Street that a deal was "doable" though she warned that the negotiations would not be a "piece of cake".

The Guardian

Both men have pleaded guilty to robbing the other man.

The Guardian

Blazer forfeited $1.9m when he pleaded guilty, and is due to pay more to the authorities when he is sentenced.

The Guardian - Sport

Carr, a former NSW premier, pleaded with Labor to be more "canny" and "cunning" in its political strategies and said he knew the Labor government had "lost its way" when it picked a fight over media law reform in the lead-up to a federal election – a move which "tore up the Neville Wran playbook of how to get re-elected".

The Guardian

But standing at the same spot in the Long Gallery where Angela Merkel pleaded with Britain less than two months ago to remain in the EU, Higgins suggested that the reconciliation had been helped by the UK and the Irish Republic's joint membership of the EU.

The Guardian

Earlier this month, Bruce and his colleagues at Rothamsted wrote to anti-GM campaigners and recorded a video in which they pleaded with protesters not to destroy the trials.

The Guardian

Mrs Gada also pleaded for her relatives to be allowed in to the UK, and said: "Losing a child is one of the hardest things a person can experience, and at this time myself and my husband are both longing for the support of our family".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pleaded" to convey a sense of urgency or deep emotion when making a request or declaration. This word choice can add significant impact to your writing, particularly in persuasive or narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "pleaded" in situations that require a neutral or formal tone. Its inherently emotional connotation can be inappropriate for technical or objective writing. Consider alternatives like "requested" or "stated" for a more measured approach.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pleaded" is that of a verb, typically used in the past tense to describe the act of making an earnest appeal or declaration. Ludwig examples show it used both in legal contexts, like "pleaded guilty", and in emotional appeals, like "pleaded with Britain".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pleaded" is a versatile verb primarily used to express an urgent or emotional request or declaration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "pleaded", consider the emotional weight it carries and whether it aligns with the desired tone of your writing. Alternatives like "earnestly requested" or "implored" can provide nuanced variations, but the strong sense of appeal remains central to the word's function.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earnestly requested

Emphasizes the sincerity and intensity of the request.

fervently appealed

Highlights a passionate and enthusiastic appeal.

earnestly begged

Stresses the desperation and urgency in the request.

implored

Suggests a more formal and serious request.

entreated

Indicates a humble and sincere supplication.

made a plea

Focuses on the act of making a formal or emotional appeal.

submitted a request

Highlights the formality and submission aspect of the request.

professed

Emphasizes a declaration or avowal, often in a legal context.

asserted

Highlights a confident and forceful statement.

maintained

Suggests a consistent and persistent declaration of a belief or stance.

FAQs

How can I use "pleaded" in a sentence?

You can use "pleaded" to show someone made an urgent or emotional request. For example, "She pleaded with him to stay" or "The defendant pleaded not guilty".

What are some alternatives to using "pleaded"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "earnestly requested", "fervently appealed", or "implored" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "pleaded guilty" or "pled guilty"?

Both "pleaded guilty" and "pled guilty" are grammatically correct, though "pleaded guilty" is more common and considered more formal. "Pled" is an acceptable, albeit less frequent, variant.

What is the difference between "pleaded" and "stated"?

"Pleaded" implies an emotional or urgent request, while "stated" is a more neutral and factual declaration. Use "pleaded" when you want to convey a sense of desperation or earnestness; use "stated" when the tone should be objective.