request for pardon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request for pardon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is formally asking for forgiveness or clemency, often in legal or personal situations. Example: "After reflecting on my actions, I decided to submit a request for pardon to the governor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He was the first governor in modern Massachusetts to deny every request for pardon or commutation.

The Economist

"Yet until now, there has not been heard even a single request for pardon".

The Guardian

He also indicated that he would consider a request for pardon by Mikhail B. Khodorkovsky, the former head of Yukos Oil, whose initial jailing and prosecution were widely viewed as political.

The New York Times

In explaining the role of the pardon commission, Mr. Pristavkin said it "is not here to question the sentence," adding, "It considers the personality of the convict, his health, his family, his personal request for pardon and other circumstances".

The New York Times

Vatican sources said the Pope considers the jamboree with the priests in June an appropriate occasion for him to lead the whole church in a "Day of Request for Pardon" of the victims and their families for the wrong done by a small percentage of priests in abusing children and minors in many countries, and the wrong done by bishops in covering up that abuse or protecting the predators.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He was present for conversations between Mr. Clinton and Mr. Barak at the end of Mr. Clinton's term and was aware that Mr. Clinton had told Mr. Barak he would consider his request for pardons for both Mr. Rich and the convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard.

The New York Times

The letter will be sent to the Justice Department, which processes the requests for pardons on behalf of the White House.

The New York Times

Bush says one of the biggest surprises of his presidency was the flood of requests for pardons he received at the end, including one that had Bush's vice president, Dick Cheney, accusing him of betrayal.

The Guardian

As of November 5, 2015, 2,128 requests for pardons had been received during the Obama presidency along with 18,448 applications for commutations from prisoners.

Huffington Post

The deal's elements -- the request for a pardon, public apology and granting of the pardon -- came together this week.

The New York Times

President Clinton last year turned down his request for a pardon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "request for pardon", ensure the context clearly indicates the formal or legal nature of the request. Providing specific details about the offense and reasons for seeking pardon strengthens the appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "request for pardon" in informal settings where a simple apology is more appropriate. This phrase is typically reserved for serious offenses and formal legal processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request for pardon" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "request for pardon" is a grammatically sound and formally appropriate way to describe the act of seeking official forgiveness, as Ludwig confirms. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its usage is tied to legal and political scenarios. While relatively rare, it's essential to understand its formal nature to avoid misuse in informal settings. Related phrases like "application for clemency" and "plea for forgiveness" offer context-dependent alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

application for clemency

Focuses on the formal process of seeking leniency or forgiveness from a governing body.

ask for leniency

Directly requests a more lenient or merciful treatment in a legal or disciplinary context.

plea for forgiveness

Emphasizes the act of asking for forgiveness, often on a personal level.

petition for amnesty

Specifically refers to seeking amnesty, which is a broader form of pardon for a group of people.

entreat for pardon

Uses a more formal and emphatic verb to express the act of pleading for forgiveness.

appeal for clemency

Highlights the act of appealing to a higher authority for a more lenient sentence or outcome.

file for remission

Implies a formal process of requesting a reduction or cancellation of a debt or penalty.

seek absolution

Focuses on seeking spiritual or moral forgiveness for wrongdoing.

seek exoneration

Emphasizes the desire to be cleared of blame or wrongdoing, often through legal means.

beg for mercy

Highlights the desperation and humility in asking for leniency.

FAQs

How to use "request for pardon" in a sentence?

You can use "request for pardon" in a sentence like: "The lawyer submitted a formal "request for pardon" to the governor on behalf of his client."

What's the difference between "request for pardon" and "appeal for clemency"?

"Request for pardon" is a broad term for seeking forgiveness, while "appeal for clemency" specifically implies asking a higher authority for leniency, often in legal contexts.

Which is correct, "request for pardon" or "request a pardon"?

Both ""request for pardon"" and "request a pardon" are grammatically correct, but ""request for pardon"" is more common and formal, especially in legal or official contexts.

What can I say instead of "request for pardon"?

You can use alternatives like "plea for forgiveness", "application for clemency", or "petition for amnesty" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.