pleaded with

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that someone asked someone else to do something, or to express that someone asked someone else for something. For example: She pleaded with him to stay with her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bozic pleaded with him.

The New Yorker

Scaring pleaded with Hanophy.

The New Yorker

He pleaded with neighbors.

The New York Times

My eyes pleaded with his.

The New York Times

I pleaded with the doctor.

The New Yorker

I pleaded with her.

The Guardian

"We pleaded with them".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I pleaded with them.

The New York Times

She wailed and pleaded with the Marines.

The New York Times

They pleaded with him to go home.

The New Yorker

He pleaded with the police, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "pleaded with" with specific details about the request to give the reader a clearer picture of the situation. For example, "She pleaded with the officer to spare her brother." adds context and emotional weight.

Common error

Avoid using "pleaded with" when a simple 'asked' or 'requested' would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic. Consider the context and choose the verb that best reflects the actual level of urgency or desperation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pleaded with" functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong request. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses that someone earnestly asked another to do something or earnestly requested something from another. The examples show its use across varied contexts to showcase the intensity of the request.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pleaded with" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express an urgent or desperate request. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, predominantly within news and media. While alternatives like "begged", "implored", and "appealed to" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. When writing, it's crucial to consider the context and ensure that "pleaded with" accurately reflects the intensity of the request. Overuse can dilute its impact, making it essential to reserve it for scenarios where genuine urgency or desperation is present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begged

Focuses solely on the act of begging, omitting the specific recipient implied by "with".

implored

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the intensity and urgency of the request.

appealed to

Highlights the act of making a formal or serious request, often based on morals or principles.

entreated

A somewhat archaic term, suggesting a deeply felt and earnest request.

beseeched

Similar to 'entreat', indicating a fervent and humble request.

asked earnestly

A more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the sincerity of the request.

urged

Suggests a strong encouragement or insistence, but may lack the emotional intensity of "pleaded".

earnestly requested

More formal and descriptive, placing emphasis on the sincerity of the request.

made a heartfelt appeal to

More elaborate, emphasizes the depth of emotion behind the request.

cried out to

Implies a desperate plea, often made in a moment of crisis.

FAQs

How can I use "pleaded with" in a sentence?

You can use "pleaded with" to describe someone making an earnest or desperate request. For example, "He "pleaded with" the judge for leniency."

What are some alternatives to "pleaded with"?

Alternatives to "pleaded with" include "begged", "implored", or "appealed to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "pleaded with" and "asked"?

"Plead with" implies a more emotional, urgent, or desperate request than a simple "asked". "Asked" is neutral, while "pleaded with" suggests a stronger emotional investment in the outcome.

When is it appropriate to use "pleaded with" over other similar phrases?

Use "pleaded with" when you want to emphasize the intensity and desperation of a request. It's suitable when the person making the request is in a vulnerable position or when the stakes are high.