pleading that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pleading that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts when someone is making a request or appeal for something to be granted or considered. Example: "The defendant was pleading that the court show leniency in sentencing due to his circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pleading that case, he convinced Affymetrix, CytoScan's manufacturer, to extend the instrument's warranty by 2 years.

Science Magazine

"I was pleading that we go the multilateral route.

The New York Times

We keep pleading that the internet is different.

The Guardian - Tech

People as far away as Britain called City Hall, pleading that officials help the Sand Castle.

The New York Times

Clients were known to send dresses back pleading that they were impossible to pee in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The flustered host attempted to salvage the interview by pleading that she had been put up to asking the question.

The New York Times - Sports

Yildirim was jailed Sunday despite pleading that he had a heart condition and would not withstand imprisonment.

The New York Times - Sports

He tries to get around them by pleading that the love poems are about the love of God.

Independent

Using much the same rationale, the National Automobile Dealers Association is pleading that car dealers get consideration, too.

The New York Times

Pleading that the director defendants "caused" or "caused or allowed" the Company to issue certain statements is not sufficient particularized pleading to excuse demand under Rule 23.1.

Harvard University

How are we still at the point where a woman is pleading that the men she is seen with somehow shouldn't count as black?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pleading that" to underscore the emotional weight of a request, contrasting it with more neutral alternatives like "requesting that" or "asking that".

Common error

Avoid using "pleading that" in contexts where a straightforward request suffices. Overusing emotionally charged language can diminish its impact and make the writing seem melodramatic. In professional settings, consider more neutral phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pleading that" functions as a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a fervent request or appeal. It is used to emphasize the urgency or emotional weight behind a particular demand, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pleading that" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong, often emotional, request or appeal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. While its emotional intensity makes it effective, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid sounding melodramatic. Consider alternatives like "requesting that" or "asking that" for less intense situations. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "pleading that" to convey urgency and emotion in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting that

Focuses on the act of asking formally for something.

appealing that

Emphasizes a more emotional or urgent request.

asking that

A more direct and simple way to express a request.

begging that

Implies a desperate or humble request.

entreating that

A formal and earnest request.

imploring that

Suggests a heartfelt and urgent plea.

petitioning that

Involves a formal written request to an authority.

arguing that

Presents a case or reason to support a request.

maintaining that

Stresses a persistent assertion or claim.

asserting that

States something confidently and forcefully.

FAQs

How can I use "pleading that" in a sentence?

Use "pleading that" when you want to emphasize the urgency or emotional weight of a request. For example, "The defendant was "pleading that" the judge show leniency." This conveys a stronger sense of desperation than simply "asking that".

What are some alternatives to "pleading that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "requesting that", "appealing that", or "asking that". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the degree of urgency you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "pleading that" instead of "asking that"?

"Pleading that" implies a greater level of emotional intensity and urgency compared to "asking that". Use "pleading that" when the situation warrants a sense of desperation or a strong emotional appeal. "Asking that" is suitable for more routine requests.

Is "pleading that" formal or informal?

"Pleading that" leans towards a more formal register, but its primary characteristic is its emotional intensity. It's appropriate in situations where conveying strong emotion is necessary, regardless of the overall formality of the context. However, avoid it in situations requiring strict neutrality.