pleading for compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pleading for compassion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong emotional appeal for understanding or kindness, often in a context of distress or hardship. Example: "In her speech, she was pleading for compassion towards those affected by the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I stared at Dedo with watery eyes, pleading for compassion, while he berated my sloppy prosody and my cold self-centeredness, which was exactly the opposite of soul.

The New Yorker

Whilst some users did try to intervene, pleading for compassion and humanity, the moderators say they were in the minority with some scared of the abuse they might face.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

These include a pull-out-all-the-stops monologue in which Big Mama pleads for compassion in a welfare office and a vignette in which Cookie explains a science experiment (involving fleas trying to escape from a jar) with heavy symbolic resonance.

The New York Times

He was pleading for time.

The Economist

Shane ran inside, pleading for help.

The Guardian

The Philadelphia 76ers were pleading for help.

The New York Times - Sports

But school administrators are pleading for mercy.

The New York Times

"She was pleading for water.

BBC

Two young Whitney Houston fans in the studio audience rose to plead for more positivity and compassion, but Ms. Williams set them straight.

The New York Times - Arts

But it understood that in the case of men such as Vick, even when they admit guilt and plead for forgiveness, the words mercy and compassion are alien terms.

Huffington Post

But the NAACP branch understood that in the case of men such as Vick, even when they admit guilt and plead for forgiveness, the words mercy and compassion are alien terms.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "pleading for compassion" when you want to convey a strong emotional appeal for understanding and kindness, especially in situations involving suffering or hardship. This phrase is often more impactful than simply "asking for compassion".

Common error

Avoid using "pleading for compassion" in highly formal or professional contexts where a more neutral tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "requesting consideration" or "seeking understanding" to maintain a professional demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pleading for compassion" functions as a verbal phrase, expressing a direct and emotional appeal. It describes the act of urgently requesting kindness and understanding. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to highlight a desperate need for empathy in dire situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pleading for compassion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a strong emotional appeal for understanding and kindness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. While effective in emphasizing urgent need, it should be used judiciously in formal settings. Related phrases include "begging for mercy" and "appealing for understanding". The key is to employ the phrase where an emotional impact is desired, but to maintain appropriateness for the given context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begging for mercy

Emphasizes the act of begging and the specific request for mercy.

appealing for understanding

Highlights the request for comprehension and empathy.

requesting leniency

Focuses on asking for a less severe punishment or treatment.

seeking sympathy

Emphasizes the desire for others to share in one's feelings.

imploring for kindness

Highlights the earnest request for acts of goodwill.

asking for grace

Focuses on requesting unmerited favor or forgiveness.

crying out for empathy

Highlights the intensity of the emotional appeal for shared feeling.

entreating for clemency

Emphasizes a formal and earnest request for mercy.

soliciting compassion

Focuses on actively seeking compassion from others.

beseeching for understanding

Highlights an urgent and heartfelt plea for comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "pleading for compassion" in a sentence?

You can use "pleading for compassion" to describe someone making an emotional request for understanding and kindness. For example: "The refugees were "pleading for compassion" from the international community."

What are some alternatives to "pleading for compassion"?

Alternatives include "begging for mercy", "appealing for understanding", or "requesting leniency", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is "pleading for compassion" most appropriate?

The phrase "pleading for compassion" is best used when describing situations involving significant distress, hardship, or injustice, where an emotional appeal for understanding and kindness is central.

What's the difference between "asking for compassion" and "pleading for compassion"?

"Pleading for compassion" implies a greater sense of urgency and desperation than simply "asking for compassion". Pleading suggests a more emotional and earnest request.