request mercy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request mercy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for forgiveness or compassion, often in a serious or formal context. Example: "In his final plea, he chose to request mercy from the court, hoping for a lighter sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's not uncommon for members of the clergy to sign pledges, sometimes referred to as a "Declaration of Life," which request mercy in the event that they are murdered or violently killed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He also requested mercy for Mr. Kavanagh, his former friend and spiritual adviser.

The New York Times

In the month between the conviction and the sentencing, nearly eighty people sent letters to the judge, requesting mercy for Lebovits.

The New Yorker

The N.C.A.A. denied his request for mercy, or, specifically, extra scholarships to speed the recovery.

The New York Times - Sports

"As teenagers, my friends and I would re-enact this request for mercy when we wanted to ridicule our own behavior or that of others.

The New York Times - Books

This practice is not "voluntary active euthanasia," in which doctors administer lethal drugs at the patient's request, or "mercy killing," in which the patient may or may not have initiated the procedure.

The New York Times

His subsequent request for mercy was ignored, however, and he was hanged, drawn and quartered on 31 January, in the Old Palace Yard at Westminster.

Wikipedia

In the 10 years since that speech, requests for mercy have increased even as the prospects for reform have not.

The New York Times

Pleading for a departed lover to return, out of pity if not love, she requests the same mercy a vet would show in putting a wounded horse out of its misery.

The Guardian - Music

I begged him and thanks God other passengers requested him to have mercy on me.

Unicef

Her appeal of a court ruling that denied her request to adopt Chifundo James known as Mercy, is scheduled for Monday in Malawi.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "request mercy" when the context involves a formal or serious appeal for leniency or forgiveness, particularly in legal, ethical, or moral situations.

Common error

Avoid using "request mercy" in everyday conversations or informal settings; it can sound overly dramatic or insincere. Opt for more casual alternatives like "ask for forgiveness" or "plead for understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request mercy" functions as a verbal phrase, where "request" acts as a verb and "mercy" as its object. It is typically used to express a plea or appeal for compassion or leniency. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "request mercy" is a formal phrase used to plead for compassion or leniency. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, often in a serious or formal context. While not frequently used in everyday conversation, it finds its place in news reports, legal contexts, and formal appeals. Alternative phrases such as "plead for leniency" or "seek clemency" can be used depending on the situation. When writing, it's best to reserve "request mercy" for serious, formal contexts to avoid sounding overly dramatic or insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solicit mercy

A more formal way of asking for mercy.

plead for leniency

Focuses on the act of pleading, emphasizing the desire for a more lenient outcome.

supplicate for leniency

Emphasizes a humble and earnest request for leniency.

beg for forgiveness

Highlights the act of seeking forgiveness for a wrong committed.

seek clemency

A formal term for requesting a reduction of punishment or a pardon.

petition for compassion

Highlights the act of formally requesting compassion or understanding.

appeal for compassion

Emphasizes the emotional aspect, appealing to someone's sense of compassion.

ask for quarter

Implies asking for one's life to be spared, often in a conflict situation.

implore for grace

Focuses on seeking undeserved favor or kindness.

entreat for pity

Highlights the act of earnestly requesting pity or sympathy.

FAQs

How can I use "request mercy" in a sentence?

You can use "request mercy" in sentences such as, "The defendant chose to "request mercy" from the court, hoping for a lighter sentence" or "The condemned prisoner used his last words to "request mercy" from the executioner".

What can I say instead of "request mercy"?

You can use alternatives like "plead for leniency", "beg for forgiveness", or "seek clemency" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "request mercy"?

The phrase "request mercy" is appropriate in formal settings, such as legal proceedings, or when discussing serious ethical or moral dilemmas where forgiveness or leniency is being sought.

What is the difference between "request mercy" and "ask for forgiveness"?

"Request mercy" often implies a formal or desperate plea for leniency, while "ask for forgiveness" is a more general term for seeking pardon for a wrong.