seek clemency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek clemency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts when requesting mercy or leniency, often in relation to a punishment or sentence. Example: "The defendant decided to seek clemency from the court, hoping for a reduced sentence due to extenuating circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Mullah can also seek clemency from the president.

Independent

Even then Mr Mollah would have the right to seek clemency from the president.

The Economist

He has reserved the right to seek clemency from the president.

The New York Times

They help some but not all inmates who apply to seek clemency.

The Guardian

A president's final days in office have often provided an especially opportune moment for supplicants to seek clemency.

The New York Times

Witness a resolution proposed by Councilman Charles Barron of Brooklyn, which would seek clemency from the governor for "political prisoners".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Among those who have sought clemency are former President Nelson Mandela of South Africa and the actor Robert Redford.

The New York Times

But in seeking clemency, his lawyers do not intend to argue that he is innocent.

The New York Times

It officially opposes capital punishment and is seeking clemency for three Australian drug-traffickers facing execution in Indonesia.

The Economist

But Mr. Almunia said the number of companies seeking clemency on such grounds had increased sharply over the last year.

The New York Times

In October, Mexican officials unsuccessfully sought clemency for Miguel Angel Flores, a Mexican who had been convicted of murder in Texas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek clemency", ensure the context involves a legal or formal situation where mercy or leniency is being requested from an authority figure or institution. Consider if a more direct synonym like "request leniency" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "seek clemency" when the appropriate action is to appeal a decision based on legal grounds. Clemency is generally sought after all other legal avenues have been exhausted and focuses on mercy rather than legal correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek clemency" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating an action taken by an individual or entity. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It describes the act of requesting mercy or pardon from an authority.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek clemency" is a formal and grammatically correct way to describe the act of requesting mercy or pardon, often from a head of state or governing body. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used in legal or formal contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, indicating its relevance to public discourse on legal and political matters. While alternatives like "request leniency" or "appeal for mercy" exist, "seek clemency" carries a specific weight and formality that makes it appropriate for serious discussions about justice and executive power. It's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the context aligns with its formal and legal connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Request leniency

Focuses on the act of asking for a more lenient punishment or treatment; direct and less formal.

Appeal for mercy

Emphasizes a plea based on compassion or pity, rather than legal arguments.

Petition for pardon

Specifically refers to seeking an official forgiveness of a crime and its associated penalties.

Apply for executive clemency

A more formal way to describe seeking clemency from a head of state or government.

Beseech for forgiveness

Implies a more emotional and humble request, often involving an admission of wrongdoing.

Solicit a reprieve

Focuses on obtaining a temporary suspension of a punishment, especially a death sentence.

Implore for lenience

Similar to appealing for mercy, but perhaps more urgent or desperate.

Seek amnesty

Involves seeking a general pardon for a group of people, often for political offenses.

Pursue mitigation of sentence

Centers on the legal process of reducing the severity of a sentence based on mitigating circumstances.

Ask for commutation

Refers specifically to requesting the reduction of a sentence, often a death sentence, to a less severe penalty.

FAQs

How is "seek clemency" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "seek clemency" is often used to describe a formal request for mercy or leniency, typically from a governing body or executive power. For example, "The convicted individual decided to "seek clemency" from the president".

What are some alternatives to "seek clemency"?

You can use alternatives like "request leniency", "appeal for mercy", or "petition for pardon" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to "seek clemency"?

No, it's not always appropriate. "Seek clemency" is best used when all other legal avenues have been exhausted and the individual is appealing for mercy based on mitigating circumstances or demonstrating rehabilitation.

What's the difference between ""seek clemency"" and "appeal a conviction"?

"Seek clemency" is a request for mercy or leniency, often after legal appeals have failed. "Appeal a conviction" is a legal challenge to the validity of the original verdict, based on errors in law or procedure.