request a pardon

USAGE SUMMARY

"request a pardon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when a person has been convicted of a crime and is seeking clemency or a remission of their sentence. For example, "The convict wrote a letter to the governor requesting a pardon for his crimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The State Department had earlier said that Mr. King intended to request a pardon and amnesty for the missionary, Kenneth Bae, a Korean-American from Washington State.

The New York Times

Mr. Tobin, whose lawyer is appealing his case to a Moscow court, didn't request a pardon because it would require him to admit guilt.

The New York Times

His lawyer, Ilya Novikov, said his client would not appeal against the verdict and would request a pardon from Russia's president, Vladimir Putin.

The Guardian

The group's leaders also are doing old-school activism, reaching out to the governor's office to request a pardon for the Scotts.

The Washington Post

Prior to that in August 2009, a petition was started to request a pardon.

BBC

He will request a pardon and amnesty for Kenneth Bae, 45, on humanitarian grounds, it said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Both had requested a pardon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Parker requested a pardon, and received it, in 1991.

The New Yorker

Mr. Singh then wrote to President Asif Ali Zardari in July 2009, requesting a pardon on humanitarian grounds.

The New York Times

His wife had requested a pardon from the Indian government, but her plea was denied.

The New York Times

A bill requesting a pardon from George W. Bush passed the House of Representatives in 2008 but died in the Senate.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, clearly state the grounds for the "request a pardon", such as humanitarian reasons or evidence of rehabilitation. This strengthens the appeal.

Common error

Avoid using assertive language that implies entitlement. A "request a pardon" should be respectful and acknowledge the authority of the decision-maker.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request a pardon" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of formally asking for forgiveness or clemency from a governing authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "request a pardon" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as verified by Ludwig AI, that denotes the act of formally seeking forgiveness for a crime. While often found in News & Media, its use is appropriate in formal contexts. When using this phrase, maintain a respectful tone and clearly articulate the reasons for the request. Consider alternative phrasings like "apply for a pardon" or "seek a pardon" for subtle shifts in emphasis. Remember, "request a pardon" implies humility and a formal process, distinguishing it from more assertive or informal expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply for a pardon

Emphasizes the formal process of requesting a pardon.

seek a pardon

Uses a more general verb for the act of trying to obtain a pardon.

petition for a pardon

Highlights the act of making a formal written request.

make a plea for a pardon

Emphasizes the act of making an emotional or persuasive argument.

ask for clemency

Substitutes "pardon" with the more general term "clemency".

appeal for a pardon

Highlights the attempt to overturn or reduce a sentence.

solicit a pardon

Suggests a more indirect or persuasive approach to obtaining a pardon.

entreat for a pardon

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying 'ask for a pardon'.

demand a pardon

Changes the tone to a more assertive claim rather than a plea.

beg for a pardon

Implies a desperate plea for forgiveness.

FAQs

What's the difference between "request a pardon" and "demand a pardon"?

"Request a pardon" is a respectful plea for forgiveness, while "demand a pardon" implies a forceful insistence, which may be perceived negatively.

When is it appropriate to "request a pardon"?

It's appropriate to "request a pardon" after a conviction, typically when demonstrating remorse, rehabilitation, or highlighting mitigating circumstances.

What are some synonyms for "request a pardon"?

You can use synonyms such as "apply for a pardon", "seek a pardon", or "petition for a pardon" depending on the context.

Is "request a pardon" the same as "appeal a conviction"?

No, "request a pardon" is different from appealing a conviction. An appeal challenges the legal validity of the conviction, while a pardon seeks forgiveness after the conviction is final.