show mercy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show mercy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey the idea of being kind and forgiving to someone, or sparing them from negative consequences. For example, "The judge took pity on the convicted criminal and showed mercy by reducing his sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will he show mercy?

The New York Times - Sports

They opened this house to show mercy".

The New York Times

The authorities must not dither or show mercy".

The Economist

This mission is clear, to show mercy to humankind".

The New York Times

Please, I ask the Indonesian people to show mercy".

The Guardian

I ask the president to please show mercy.

The Guardian

So to show mercy is to show weakness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Please show mercy and give us an opportunity to see our Luke again".

Independent

We implore his captors to show mercy and use their power to let our son go".

Independent

"Someone give me a gun! Don't show mercy to the enemy!" wrote another.

The New Yorker

We empower the jurors to know their right to show mercy".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show mercy" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who is showing mercy and to whom. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "show mercy" when the situation calls for justice or accountability. Mercy should be extended thoughtfully, not as a default response that undermines fairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show mercy" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It expresses an action that one party can take towards another, indicating compassion, forgiveness, or leniency. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and understood in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show mercy" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express compassion, forgiveness, or leniency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its register is typically neutral, though its use can range from formal requests for clemency to everyday expressions of kindness. While "show mercy" appears most frequently in news and media, it's essential to consider the context carefully to ensure it aligns with the intended message. Alternatives like "extend clemency" or "grant forgiveness" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grant forgiveness

Emphasizes the act of pardoning someone for a wrongdoing.

exercise leniency

Highlights the act of being permissive or tolerant in a situation.

extend clemency

Focuses on a formal act of leniency, often in a legal context.

be lenient

A more general term for not being strict or severe.

display compassion

Stresses the emotional aspect of showing kindness and understanding.

offer pardon

Suggests a formal or official act of excusing an offense.

have compassion

Similar to 'display compassion', emphasizing the feeling of sympathy.

treat with kindness

Broadly suggests acting in a gentle and caring manner.

temper justice with mercy

Implies a balance between fairness and compassion in decision-making.

give quarter

An old-fashioned term, particularly used in military contexts, for sparing an enemy's life.

FAQs

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

You can use "show mercy" when you want to express the act of being compassionate or forgiving towards someone. For example, "The judge decided to "show mercy" to the defendant due to their difficult circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "show mercy"?

Alternatives to "show mercy" include "extend clemency", "grant forgiveness", or "exercise leniency". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to "show mercy"?

No, it is not always appropriate to "show mercy". There are situations where justice and accountability are more important. Mercy should be considered carefully, taking into account the severity of the situation and the potential consequences.

What does it mean to "temper justice with mercy"?

To "temper justice with mercy" means to balance fairness and compassion. It involves making sure that punishment is not overly harsh and that there is room for understanding and forgiveness. It's about finding a just outcome that also considers the human element.