seek forgiveness.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek forgiveness." is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire to be forgiven for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "After realizing the hurt I caused, I decided it was time to seek forgiveness from my friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Forgive and seek forgiveness.

Huffington Post

7. Forgive and seek forgiveness.

Huffington Post

I'm slower to anger, quicker to forgive and humble enough to ask for help and seek forgiveness.

HuffPost

Let's seek forgiveness.

The New York Times

"I told him to continue to seek forgiveness.

The New York Times

If you've made the wrong move, you can seek forgiveness.

The Washington Post

At the time, Lewis urged Trump to seek forgiveness.

The Washington Post

I seek forgiveness". Then he began speaking in tongues.

The Guardian

It is the first step in a concerted effort to seek forgiveness without forgetting.

The New York Times

Henry II didn't use any ifs, ands or buts in undertaking to seek forgiveness.

The Washington Post

Politicians rarely admit wrongdoing, much less say they're sorry and seek forgiveness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek forgiveness", ensure the context clearly indicates the transgression and the party from whom forgiveness is sought. Sincerity is key to the effectiveness of this phrase.

Common error

Don't use "seek forgiveness" as a way to downplay the severity of an action. Seeking forgiveness is an important part of growth after wrongdoing, it is not a loophole or an excuse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek forgiveness" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the action of asking for pardon or absolution. This involves acknowledging a transgression and expressing a desire to be forgiven.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek forgiveness" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression signifying the act of asking for pardon after acknowledging wrongdoing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used across various contexts, from personal apologies to formal requests for absolution. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post underscores its widespread acceptance. When employing this phrase, it's essential to demonstrate sincerity and genuine remorse. Remember that "seek forgiveness" is about seeking pardon, it is not excusing behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beg forgiveness

Suggests a more desperate or earnest plea for forgiveness.

ask for absolution

Emphasizes religious or formal contexts of seeking forgiveness.

request pardon

Implies a formal or legal context of seeking forgiveness.

show contrition

Implies demonstrating sincere remorse and regret for one's actions.

apologize sincerely

Focuses on the act of apologizing with genuine remorse.

make amends

Highlights the effort to repair the damage caused by the wrongdoing.

express remorse

Highlights the expression of deep regret and guilt.

seek reconciliation

Focuses on restoring a relationship after a transgression.

ask for mercy

Implies asking for leniency and compassion.

atone for sins

Emphasizes making amends for religious or moral transgressions.

FAQs

How do I use "seek forgiveness" in a sentence?

You can use "seek forgiveness" to describe the act of asking for pardon after a wrongdoing. For example: "After realizing the hurt I caused, I decided it was time to "seek forgiveness" from my friend."

What can I say instead of "seek forgiveness"?

You can use alternatives like "ask for absolution", "request pardon", or "beg forgiveness" depending on the context.

Is it better to "seek forgiveness" or "ask for permission"?

The appropriateness of "seek forgiveness" versus "ask for permission" depends heavily on the context. While some believe it's easier to "seek forgiveness" than to ask for permission, this approach can damage relationships and trust. It is better to ask for permission when possible.

What does it mean to "seek forgiveness"?

To "seek forgiveness" means to acknowledge wrongdoing, express remorse, and ask for pardon from those who have been affected by your actions.