request for forgiveness

USAGE SUMMARY

"request for forgiveness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone has done something wrong and you are asking for them to be forgiven. For example: "I apologize for my mistake, and I am requesting for forgiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

(See: "Smoking Gun on Betrayal & Genocide") For victims, their families to forgive, there needs to be a request for forgiveness.

HuffPost

Of course I wish you and yours continuing health and prosperity, but I don't forgive — can't say precisely what or whom I don't forgive and your note is not a request for forgiveness, so I'll just say that I'm much more confused than you are about who should be forgiving whom for what.

The New Yorker

Each request for forgiveness was welcomed with applause from the crowd.

The Guardian

The rite is concluded with his obeisance to the senior monks and his request for forgiveness of his faults.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The question of how people should view Northam's request for forgiveness and his job is secondary, Brooks said.

The Washington Post

Was his heartfelt request for forgiveness the genuine result of weeks of reflection, a reconnection with Buddhism and hard-earned personal development achieved through therapy?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

WHEN Sri Bintang Pamungkas, one of Indonesia's most vocal opposition politicians, sent out greeting cards at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, he offered more than the traditional requests for forgiveness.

The Economist

The South African TRC appeared to offer several examples of such a process, including spontaneous requests for forgiveness by perpetrators and offers of forgiveness by victims (Tutu 1999, South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report 1998).

SEP

Obama has rejected at total of 3,976 requests for forgiveness.

Huffington Post

Today's requests for forgiveness are shaped by this model of the instantaneous and totalizing apology.

Vice

In response to an inquiry from Kaine, the Education Department disclosed last week that 38,460 people had submitted requests for forgiveness as of Dec. 28 under the new program.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "request for forgiveness", ensure that the context clearly indicates the wrongdoing and the sincerity of the apology. Precede it with an explicit admission of the mistake.

Common error

Don't assume that simply making a "request for forgiveness" guarantees it will be granted. Demonstrate genuine remorse and a commitment to making amends; forgiveness is earned, not automatically given.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request for forgiveness" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., make, issue, submit) or as a complement, referring to the act of asking to be forgiven. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "request for forgiveness" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to formally seek pardon for a wrongdoing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it also occurs in encyclopedias and scientific writings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves a clear admission of guilt and a sincere expression of remorse. Remember that making a "request for forgiveness" does not guarantee absolution; genuine change and restitution are often necessary. Consider alternatives such as "plea for absolution" or "appeal for pardon" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asking to be forgiven

This alternative uses a more direct and conversational tone.

plea for absolution

This alternative uses stronger, more formal language to emphasize the act of seeking forgiveness.

appeal for pardon

This option replaces "forgiveness" with "pardon", suggesting a legal or official context of seeking clemency.

seeking clemency

This is more commonly used when dealing with a legal system. Clemency also suggests a more formal request.

seeking reconciliation

This phrase focuses on restoring a relationship after wrongdoing, rather than directly asking for forgiveness.

a call for absolution

This option presents the act of seeking forgiveness as a public or formal declaration.

seeking atonement

This phrase emphasizes making amends for a wrongdoing, going beyond simply asking for forgiveness.

apology and supplication

Adding a supplication emphasizes both the apology and the act of humbly requesting forgiveness.

begging for mercy

This alternative conveys a sense of desperation and emphasizes the consequences of not being forgiven.

seeking exoneration

This phrase suggests an attempt to clear oneself of blame, which goes beyond simply asking for forgiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "request for forgiveness" in a sentence?

You can use "request for forgiveness" to express asking for pardon after admitting a mistake, like in these examples: "The victims, their families to forgive, there needs to be a "request for forgiveness"" or "Was his heartfelt "request for forgiveness" the genuine result of weeks of reflection?".

What's a formal alternative to "request for forgiveness"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "plea for absolution", "appeal for pardon", or "seeking clemency", which convey a more serious and official tone.

Which is correct, "ask for forgiveness" or "request for forgiveness"?

Both "ask for forgiveness" and "request for forgiveness" are grammatically correct. "Ask for forgiveness" is more direct and informal, while "request for forgiveness" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of formally seeking pardon.

What's the difference between "apology" and "request for forgiveness"?

An "apology" is an expression of remorse for a wrongdoing. A "request for forgiveness" is a specific plea to be pardoned for that wrongdoing. An apology often precedes a "request for forgiveness", but they are distinct actions.